An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale stroke on Saturday near the city of Christchurch, which sustained serous damage in a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in February.
First tremors were registered at 13:44 Saturday local time [0:44 GMT]. The epicenter was located at the depth of some 10 km, only 14 km from Christchurch.
No death or casualties have been reported. No tsunami alert was issued.
New Zealand's second largest city was hit by a series of aftershocks following the 7.1-magnitude earthquake on September 4, 2010. The most devastating aftershock measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale rattled the area in February, causing extensive damage and leaving over 180 people dead.
Last week, the area was hit by three powerful aftershocks, measuring 5.3-5.8 on the Richter scale.
