New Zealand earthquake: 6.8 magnitude seismic tremor hits just off South Island coast, report USGS

Nearly 2,000 people report feeling quake

The quake hit 196 km (122 miles) northwest of Auckland island (US Geological Survey)

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake has struck the south of New Zealand's South Island, the United States Geological Survey said.

The quake hit 196 km (122 miles) northwest of Auckland island, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

There were no immediate reports of deaths or damage.

GeoNet, which provides geological hazard information for New Zealand, reported nearly 2,000 people had felt the quake.

The monitoring organisation said they registered the tremor at 6.4.

There is no tsunami threat from the quake, New Zealand's Civil Defence said.