Housing minister Phil Heatley says temporary housing will be provided for people who have lost homes.
He says the Government has contacted suppliers of modular housing and is looking at where it can put the buildings.
Mr Heatley says there will have to be a range of accommodation to house people short term, or for six to 12 months.
He says agencies have received more than 1000 calls from people throughout New Zealand offering housing to displaced people.
Housing New Zealand is co-ordinating emergency accommodation.
There has been a huge amount of housing offers from individuals and businesses which the ministry is trying to collate.
Akaroa on Banks Peninsula has not suffered any damage and residents say they can take in people who want to leave Christchurch.
Water, power and sewerage infrastructure is working and many beds are available at tourist accommodation due to cancelled bookings.
Organisations wanting to offer accomodation should ring 0800 HELP 00 or 0800 4357 00*.]
