The first batch of tourists boards the rescue chopper at around 4 p.m., local time on Monday.[Photo: chinesenzherald.co.nz]

All 125 Chinese tourists stranded in New Zealand's' south island town Kaikoura have been transferred to safety amid more strong aftershocks a day after a powerful earthquake struck the country and killed two persons.

They were among more than 1,000 tourists left trapped in the town after landslides triggered by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake cut off roads.

The Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch said all Chinese tourists have now been transferred to the city.

The rescue was conducted in groups by helicopters. People were offered food and drinks when waiting for departure.

China is New Zealand's second largest tourist market, with more than 300,000 Chinese nationals visiting the country in the last year.