The discovery of blind, or unknown, faults means faultlines could connect up, giving a much longer structure and bigger-than-expected earthquakes.
RNZ reports GNS Science has published the first of 10 papers on November's 7.8-magnitude earthquake, in the international journal Science.
The data, including satellite radar imagery, show that parts of the South Island moved more than 5m closer to the North Island, and that some parts were raised by up to 8m.
GNS scientist Ian Hamling said the land from Kaikoura to Cape Campbell moved north-west by up to 6m.
