An advisory of tsunami activity has been issued by New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) after a 7.7 earthquake in the Loyality Islands, part of New Caledonia, at 2.57pm today (19 May).

The areas under threat include Milford Sound.

They also include;

• The West Coast of the North Island from CAPE REINGA to WHANGANUI including the West Coast of Auckland, Manukau Harbour and New Plymouth.
• The East Coast of the North Island from CAPE REINGA to TOLAGA BAY including Whangarei, GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, the East Coast of Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitemata Harbour, Tauranga, Whakatane and Opotiki.
• The West Coast of the South Island from FAREWELL SPIT to MILFORD SOUND including Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika.

NEMA expects New Zealand coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore.

 They advise there is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, small boats and anyone in or near the water close to shore.

 People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, rivers and estuaries.