Earthquake Rocks North Island

There's been a sharp earthquake off the East Coast of the North Island.

Geonet says the 6.5 magnitude quake was 155 kilometres east of Te Araroa.

It was 31-kilometres deep.

It's been felt as far south as Wellington, and Newstalk ZB listeners say they felt the quake in Auckland.

A smaller jolt has also been recorded near Hanmer Springs in Canterbury.

Geonet is reporting a magnitude 4.8 quake, at a depth of six kilometres, 30 kilometres east of the alpine village.

It was reported just after 11.30 this morning.