A large earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 has struck northwestern Argentina, but there are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The earthquake struck just after 8am local time and was centered about 16 miles (26km) north of the community of Chilecito in La Rioja province, near the border with Chile.

The quake had a depth of around 62 miles (100km).

It comes hours after a powerful 7.4 earthquake hit New Zealand, causing a two-metre high tsunami on the country's South Island.

New Zealand's Civil Defence authority described the threat of the wave as “an event of life-threatening or national significance” and warned people to stay away from beaches along the entire coastline.

The epicentre was recorded 57 miles north-northeast of Christchurch on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island.