Earthquake near White Island felt throughout NZ

White Island remains at a volcano alert level of 1 despite an earthquake nearby this morning. Photo/file

A weak earthquake which hit near White Island this morning has been felt throughout the North Island.

The 4.7 quake was recorded at a depth of 194km about 55 kilometres north west of the island at 8.38am.

The earthquake sparked dozens of felt reports in Tauranga, along the east coast and through the Wairarapa.

GNS Science volcanologist Brad Scott said it was not surprising a earthquake so deep is felt over such a large span of the North Island.

The rumbling was the latest in a series of quakes recorded throughout New Zealand since South Island's tragic 7.8 earthquake on November 14.

Mr Scott said this morning's quake would not affect the volcanic alert level of White Island, which remains at 1.