A magnitude 4.3 earthquake has struck near Christchurch.

Geonet said the "strong" intensity quake hit 15km east of the city at 1:35pm.

The quake is the largest to strike Christchurch since a magnitude 4.4 shock on July 16.

GNS Science duty seismologist Martin Reyners said it was a delayed aftershock from a 5.9 magnitude quake that struck on December 23 last year.

"It was quite a shock. It would have been a sharp reminder."

The quake was unlikely to cause anything more than minor damage, Mr Reyners said.

Many Christchurch residents reported feeling the quake strongly.

Desere Girdlestone said: "Thought King Kong was shaking my car."

Sel Leigh said: "Nothing like a fresh [earthquake] to send the oldies at work into a panic. Moving cars, jackets on, car keys at ready for "the next one in an hour"

The quake was followed by a 3.8 magnitude aftershock at 1:55pm.

It struck 20km east of Christchurch at a depth of 10km.

- nzherald.co.nz

By Hayden Donnell Email Hayden