PHOTOS: Widespread damage from massive New Zealand quake

New Zealand’s South Island was hit by a 7.5-magnitude quake shook the island after midnight on Monday (14 November).

Two people have been reported killed and hundreds of aftershocks have been experienced since the first major tremblor.

The powerful earthquake struck the near the coastal area Kaikoura, about 93km north-east of the city of Christchurch. Prime Minister John Key has predicted billions in damage from the disaster.

Here are some pictures of the damage seen across the country.