A magnitude 4.8 earthquake rattled the lower North Island and the top of the South Island this morning, with thousands reporting the shake within minutes.
Geonet said the quake struck at 10.44am at a depth of 82km around 70km south-west of Waverley.
More than 5000 people reported feeling the quake within five minutes of it taking place.
Shaking was reported as far south as Kaikōura and as far north as New Plymouth.
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence described it as a "short and sharp jolt".
"Remember - if an earthquake occurs, drop, cover and hold. If it is long and strong (longer that 1 minute and difficult to stand), then make sure you get gone to higher ground."
Geonet said the deep earthquake was widely felt due to the subducting tectonic plate under the North Island.
"Earthquakes can occur anywhere in New Zealand at any time."
SHARE ME