A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand's South Island, triggering a tsunami warning for parts of the country's southwest coast.

The quake struck at 9:14 p.m. local time (0914 GMT). Initially assessed at magnitude 6.3, its strength was later revised to 5.9. The epicentre was located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Te Anau at a depth of 53 kilometres, with tremors felt across much of the South Island.

Following the earthquake, New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warned of possible tsunami hazards and urged residents in coastal evacuation zones to move to higher ground or further inland as a precaution.

Te Anau, the nearest town to the epicentre, is the main gateway to the Fiordland region, one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. (ILKHA)