UPDATED: 5.53PM)

All of Kaikōura is experiencing an unplanned power cut.

A MainPower spokeswoman told chrislynchmedia.com “we have two helicopters patrolling the lines.

A fault has been identified on the 66kV line near Waiau. Teams are on their way to undertake repairs and restore power.

“The 33kV line has been patrolled via helicopter. As no faults were found on the 33kV, this was re-livened to restore power to most of Kaikōura while our teams continue to work to repair the 66kV fault.

Remaining customers without power are expected to have power restored before 7:00pm.