There has been no change in the current in Tauranga Harbour following the 8.2 magnitude quake off the coast of northern Chile.

The Ministry of Civil Defence warned currents in New Zealand were likely to be strongest in harbours and estuaries.

The Tauranga Harbour remains 'normal” following the earthquake in Chile yesterday.

'Unusual currents should be expected for all of Thursday. People on beaches or boats should take additional care.”

But all is as normal with the Port of Tauranga reporting no change in the Tauranga Harbour current.

Seismologists are warning the quake off Chile yesterday was not the big one they predicted where the Nazca tectonic plate plunges beneath the South American plate.

Pressure along the fault is greatest off far northern Chile where yesterday's quake happened, an area known as the Iquique seismic gap, reports Fairfax Media.