Strong earthquake shakes NZ south

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake has struck New Zealand's lower South Island, giving residents a jolt.

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake has given residents in New Zealand's lower South Island a jolt.

The strong, 30-kilometre deep quake struck 45 kilometres west of Te Anau just before 3pm on Tuesday, monitoring agency Geonet said.

Hundreds of residents reported feeling the quake, with some in Invercargill describing it as strong, and light shaking even reaching the Westland District.

The Fire Service said it had not had any reports of damage.