4.2 earthquake ‘jolts’ Wellington, residents report overnight shake

A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck 5km north of Upper Hutt at 12.16am. Photo / GeoNet.

• A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Wellington, waking residents with a “jolt”.
• GeoNet reported the quake occurred at a depth of 20km.
• Locals described the shaking as moderate, with many hearing it before feeling it.

Residents at the bottom of the North Island were awakened by a “jolt” overnight after a 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Upper Hutt.

GeoNet reported the quake struck within 5km of Upper Hutt at a depth of 20km just after midnight.

It described the shaking as moderate.

Locals took to Facebook shortly after the quake and many said they heard it before they felt it.

“I heard it coming followed by a strong thump. Thankfully it didn’t last long,” one person commented.

Another said: ”Heard it, sounded like a light aircraft and a loud scooter exiting with background rumbling. The shake was a short but decent shake with a mild to moderate jolt.”

Some reported hearing a loud “boom” noise while others said they slept through it with no issues.