An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 shook parts of the east coast of the South Island on Sunday.

The quake, which was recorded at 4.43 p.m. (3:43 GMT), was located 20 km east of Kaikoura at a depth of 12 km.

The New Zealand Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences said the quake was widely felt on the South Island's east coast.

Police said there have been no reports of damage, but rocks have fallen onto State Highway One about 17 km north of Kaikoura near the Irongate bridge.

A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit New Zealand South Island city of Christchurch on Feb. 22 for the second time in less than six months, and has so far caused a death toll of 166 and widespread destruction.