New Zealand Cricket says it is keeping contact with the Pakistani men and women's touring sides ahead of international matches in the South Island this week, following last night's earthquakes.

Pakistan bowler Mohammad Asif appeals successfully for the dismissal of Tim McIntosh after he was caught close in by Salman Butt. Source: Photosport

A severe 7.5 magnitude quake struck just after midnight north east of the small Canterbury town of Culverden, triggering tsunami warnings and intense aftershocks which continue to rattle the country this morning.

The Pakistani men's side were in Nelson while the women's squad were in Christchurch at the time of the quake.

Pakistan's team manager Wasim Bari told ESPN's Cricinfo that all the players were safe in Nelson where a scheduled game against New Zealand A has since been rained off.

"We felt the first tremors around 11.30pm," Bari said.

"Some of the boys were in prayer, some were watching the India-England Test on TV when we felt the windows shake. The whole room began to shake.

"We were on the sixth and seventh floor, and evacuated immediately. The hotel staff was very helpful. We are all safe."

The Pakistan women's manager Basit Ali told Geo News the squad were safe but "still scared".