At 1 p.m. this afternoon Christchurch city experienced an aftershock measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale. This was followed at 2.20 p.m. by a larger quake measure 6.0. Since the 1 p.m. quake there have been 7 aftershocks recorded.

There has been further damage to inner city buildings, the Eastern suburbs and the port of Lyttelton. Extensive liquification has occurred in those areas affected by previous quakes. Water and power infrastructure has again suffered damage - power is gradually being restored. Christchurch airport was evacuated as a precaution but the terminal is now open - runways are still being checked. Some roads and bridges have been closed as a precaution while engineering checks are carried out.

Approximately 10 people were taken to hospital with minor to moderate injuries but no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported.

ATS Pacific is now contacting those passengers for whom we have details and we will report directly to their wholesaler/agent once their whereabouts is confirmed. As it is low season there a few passengers affected.

Source: ATS Pacific team

Update dtd 7March 2011

All of New Zealand is open, welcoming guests and operating as normal, except for some parts of Christchurch city.
 
All New Zealand airports, including Christchurch airport are open.
 
Travelers are advised that all services outside of central Christchurch and Lyttelton, including tourism businesses, are operating as normal.
Areas of Canterbury that are operating normally include Akaroa, Kaikoura, Aoraki Mount Cook and Hanmer Springs.
 
Main roads throughout New Zealand, including main roads out of Christchurch Airport are operating normally.
 
Some parts of the central city of Christchurch are currently not accessible to the public. If your plans include Christchurch city, you are encouraged to contact us to confirm upcoming bookings.
 
Rail: The TranzAlpine, running between Christchurch and Greymouth, is operating as normal from 7 March. Departures are from the Christchurch passenger railway station in Troup Drive. From 7 March, the TranzCoastal service, between Christchurch and Picton, will operate a coach replacement until further notice.

Coach Services: InterCity Coach Services are operational and are arriving and departing from the corner of Colombo Street and Bealey Avenuein Christchurch
Coach Services throughout all other parts of New Zealand are operating as normal.

Port: The Lyttelton Port is currently not open for passenger services.

Accommodation: Visitors who had intended to stay in the Christchurch area are advised to contact The Wanderers to confirm arrangements.

Source: NZ tourism news

Situation update
Considerable damage has been reported in the Christchurch Central Business District and in Lyttelton. The Christchurch central city has been cordoned off and is not accessible.

Christchurch International Airport opened for domestic flights at 8am (NZT) this morning. International Operations are expected to start this (Wed 23Feb) afternoon. Travellers are advised to go to www.christchurchairport.co.nz for the latest information on international and domestic departures or to call their airline for flight details. Departing passengers should not go to the airport unless they have confirmation their flight is scheduled.

All other South Island and New Zealand airports are open and operating.

International travellers planning to visit New Zealand are advised that all regions outside of the Canterbury area remain operational. As a precaution, travellers are advised to check with their airline or travel agent before commencing travel.
People who have tickets for flights booked for today

Travellers holding airline tickets are advised to check with their airline or travel agent before commencing travel to the airport.

Travellers not holding tickets for flights today but wishing to leave Christchurch
Opportunities are being provided for visitors to leave Christchurch by Civil Defence.
This will help to free up accommodation in Christchurch and also reunite people with friends and family. People in this situation should make their way to collection points at the Burnside High School welfare centre, corner of Memorial Avenue and Greers Road or the welfare centre at North Hagley Park. Please note, do not go to the airport directly if you wish to be on these flights. Please go only to the collection points.

Road status
All highways are open apart from Lyttelton Tunnel, State Highway 74 and Anzac Avenue Bridge for which a detour is available.

There are reports of major damage to local roads in the city and liquefaction and surface flooding. There are also some road closures in the Selwyn District.

Coach Services
Intercity Coach Services are operational and will depart from the corner of Colombo St and Bealey Avenue in Christchurch.

Source: NZ news