Ruined buildings and minor aftershocks have given Australia's cricket side a tiny insight into life in Christchurch, a city still rebuilding after the 2011 earthquake.
A 4.3 magnitude aftershock struck the New Zealand city on Thursday night, while a 5.7 magnitude quake hit last Sunday.
Neither rumble impacted on the squad's preparations for the trans-Tasman Test starting on Saturday at Hagley Oval.
But the five-year anniversary of the natural disaster that killed 185 people and caused severe damage falls on day three of the match.
"I guess, until you've been here, it's hard to fathom what's actually happened in Christchurch," Australian skipper Steve Smith said.
"You really feel for the people that experienced what went on five years go. It's a tough time for the people of Christchurch."
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, an adopted local, hoped both teams would deliver residents some relief and entertainment.
"Obviously, a little reminder of what Christchurch can serve up with the earthquake over the last week or so," McCullum said.
"The beauty of sport is we get to go out and give the people of Christchurch the ability to support their team and enjoy the occasion - rather than worrying about things rocking and rolling."
NZ paceman Trent Boult earlier this week described the current situation as "nerve-racking".
"It's horrible what's gone on in Christchurch," Boult added.
Smith noted Cricket Australia had given players a "few pointers of what to do if there was a big earthquake".
WHAT SOME OF THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS HAVE TWEETED/SAID ABOUT CHRISTCHURCH:
* "Just felt my first Christchurch quake. Bizarre feeling," USMAN KHAWAJA
* "Walking the streets of Christchurch. Still so sad to see the damage everywhere from the earthquake 5 years ago," JOE BURNS
* "Very sad to see the real life damage the earthquake," DAVID WARNER
* "I guess until you've been here it's hard to fathom what's actually happened in Christchurch," STEVE SMITH
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