Wellington jolted by 4.4 earthquake

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake has struck south-east of Wellington.

The 33km deep quake struck 25 kilometres south east of Wellington about 9.05pm.

Many Wellingtonians felt the shake and took to Wellington Region Emergency Management Office Facebook page to express it.

"Quite a shake in Kelburn! Def the biggest I have felt since moving to NZ!"

Another said, "I was on the toilet AGAIN! I time things perfectly. Good shake!"

A Lower Hutt resident said, "In Kelson. House on stilts on side of hill........big shake."

There were no reports of damage to buildings or reports of injuries, a fire and police spokesperson comfirmed.

GNS duty seismologist Dr John Ristau said the magnitude had been downgraded to 4.4 magnitude.

GNS had recorded almost 4000 felt reports, mostly from the Wellington region.

The furtherest north felt report was from Palmerston North and the furtherest south was from Picton.

Mr Ristau said it was highly unlikely the quake caused any damage. "At most, a picture or two may have fallen off the wall".

He also said it was unlikely there would be any aftershocks.

Tawa resident Brian, who is in his 90s, described it as a "good sharp jolt" that lasted about 10 to 15 seconds.

"It turned me off my balance a bit. I was actually in the kitchen finishing doing some dishes.

"No noise, and it was very sharp, but it was quick."

A Wellington Newstalk ZB listener described the quake as "short and sharp".

One person described hearing what she thought was a car crash as the quake hit.

Another jumped for cover after feeling a little jolt followed by a big jolt.

"Cat still snoozing."