A 'severe' 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Seddon shortly after midnight, as the region continues to experience significant aftershocks.
The latest quake to hit the upper South Island was located 20km away from Seddon. Photo: Supplied / GeoNet
The quake struck at 12.17am, and was centred 20 kilometres south-west of the Marlborough, at a depth of 13 kilometres.
GeoNet rated the shake as 'severe'.
'The aftershocks will continue for a long time' - GNS seismologist Bill Fry
It was followed by a light 3.2 magnitude shake in the same region, at 12.51pm, and there were another five weak aftershocks in the early hours of this morning.
The region was also hit by a magnitude 5.5 earthquake last week, and has been dealing with hundreds of aftershocks in the wake of the 7.8 magnitude quake that struck in November.