A 7.8 magnitude undersea earthquake off the coast of New Zealand's South Island triggered Tsunami warnings across the Tasman Sea Wednesday Night.
Invercargill police Inspector Olaf Jensen said there were no immediate reports of damage in the southern city, but the quake was significant enough to send staff into doorways.
Locals describe the Earthquake as a very strong, long lasting rolling quake. It was felt as far away as Auckland, some 1200km (800 miles) away, and tourists in Ski resort area of Queenstown were seen running into the streets while goods fell off store shelves.
The US Geological Survey and Japanese seismologists classified the quake as a 7.8 magnitude event, but New Zealand's Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science measured it at 6.6.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Tsunami warning from Tasmania to Sydney, with residents running for high ground on the remote Lord Howe Island, warnings were downgraded after water buoys recorded a tiny 25cm swell right along the Australian East Coast.
After the Boxing Day Indian Ocean Tsunami, Australia and New Zealand upgraded emergency response systems, TV and Radio stations around the world were passing on warnings along with Twitter and other Internet sites within 30 minutes of the event, allowing an hour and half warning for coastal communities and maritime vessels.
The only casualties, fans of Princess Cabaret, when theatregoers were ejected from a Sydney beach front venue for their safety.
Updated: New Zealand's Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science has upgraded their measure of the quake to 7.8.