3.4 magnitute earthquake near Masterton

GeoNet reported the earthquake hit just after 6.45pm with a depth of 25km. Photo / iStock

A 3.4 magnitude earthquake has been detected 10km west of Masterton.

GeoNet reported the earthquake hit just after 6.45pm with a depth of 25km.

Its intensity was classified as light but likely felt.

The quake follows a strong magnitude 5.2 quake in the same area early this morning.

This morning's quake, which was located 15km west of Masterton and struck at a depth of 24km, disrupted commuter train services out of the Wairarapa and prompted checks on the region's bridges.

But while the strong jolt may have frayed nerves and shaken a few china cabinets it appeared the region escaped largely unscathed.

Geonet said there were more than 2,800 reports of the quake being felt mainly south of Taranaki and Hawke's Bay through to the top of the South Island.

There had been more than 20 aftershocks in the hours following the quake but these were expected to decrease in frequency throughout the day.