Almost all of the tourists and residents stranded in a small coastal town in New Zealand after a powerful earthquake struck have been evacuated.

The powerful 7.8 quake left two people dead, triggered a small tsunami and brought down rocks and mud that swept across highways.

Authorities launched rescue missions to help 700 visitors and residents escape the small coastal town of Kaikoura which was battered by the natural disaster.

Daylight shows damage from NZ quake

Train routes and roads were shattered by the quake, leaving the military with no choice but to evacuate people by air and sea.

A military official on Wednesday said crews were loading about 380 people and three dogs onto a navy ship.


It will sail a six-hour trip to a port near Christchurch.

Shop CCTV captured moment earthquake hit

Since Tuesday 340 people have been flown out on helicopters.

Kaikoura, which is home to about 2,000 residents, is a popular destination for travellers going on whale-watching expeditions.

Some residents have chosen to remain in the area until the roads can be cleared.

Rescue needed for quake-stranded cows

The military has carved a route along one road but has classified it an emergency route for authorities only.

In the capital Wellington, several streets remain cordoned off after engineers said a nine-storey building was at risk of collapsing.

Two people died following the earthquake, which struck on Monday.