New Zealand east coastal areas aren't out of the woods yet, with Civil Defence authorities and scientists electing keep the tsunami warning in place.

The first wave has reached the Chatham Islands, after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile overnight. An official tsunami alert remains in place for New Zealand's entire east coast.

Parents on remote Stewart Island say the bureaucrats are not making their quest for an early childhood teacher any easier.

Images of the wildlife and rugged natural beauty to be found on this isolated island in the far south of New Zealand.