Adelaide defender Brodie Smith is on his way back to Australia after narrowly avoiding feeling the full effects of the devastating earthquake that rocked New Zealand.

Smith left Hanmer Springs on Sunday morning before a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit about 20km south-east of the South Island town on Sunday night.

Two people have died, hundreds of aftershocks have been felt across the country and a tsunami warning sent thousands of people fleeing to higher ground.

Smith and his partner were in Christchurch – about 100km north of the initial impact – when the earthquake happened.

"Well and truly felt it here in Christchurch .. glad I left Hanmer Springs this morning," Smith tweeted.

"Survive earthquake, tick. Survive tsunami warning, tick. Cancel trip book flight home, tick. Get me out of here #eqnz."