Magnitude 5.9 earthquake rocks central North Island, felt in South Island

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake has rocked the central North Island this morning and has been felt across the country.

GeoNet said it struck 30km south-west of Taumarunui and was recorded at a depth of 210km.

The quake has been felt as far north as Auckland in the North Island, and Christchurch in the South Island.

More than 4000 people have responded to GeoNet's online alert that they felt the quake, the majority of them in the central and lower North Island.

Although the quake was widely felt around the country, it appears those at the centre of the big shake didn't feel a thing.

Super Liquor Taumarunui manager Akhil Suthan said he had no idea there'd been a quake when contacted by the Herald.

Wow that got my heart racing! Short sharp jolt #eqnz

— Julia de Ruiter (@JuliadeRuiter) October 21, 2021

"Oh, actually I didn't feel anything. When was it?" he asked.

"Nah, nothing happened here."

Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron, who is working in Horopito - north of Ohakune - today, didn't feel it either.

"No I didn't. I was on a call upstairs of a three-storey building but felt and heard nothing.

"Usually we hear them coming before the shake."

I got the Google alert about 15 seconds before that one! #eqnz - but the dog was barking before that even!

— Half Inoculated Mysterious Hermit (@hamo_d) October 21, 2021

Cameron checked with Civil Defence and Emergency staff, who said it was more than 200km deep.

The shockwave spreads along the fault line that rises as it heads towards Wellington, he said.

"Certainly no reports of damage."

A bit of a shaky start to a long weekend for many of us. We hope everyone is feeling ok after that.
It's good reminder to practice Drop, Cover and Hold for New Zealand ShakeOut next week. #eqnzhttps://t.co/sHNAXLYUwn

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) October 21, 2021

A staff member at BP Taumarunui said he didn't feel it either.

Ruapehu Civil Defence controller Clive Manley said there were no reports of damage or other issues from the quake that was centered to the south-west of Taumarunui.

GNS science reported the earthquake at a depth of 210km and shaking as weak.

Council's civil defence team was ready to react to any calls for assistance but at this stage none had been received, Manley said.

However, a woman in Wellington said she felt the quake - on the 17th floor of an office block.

"I did! I am on the 17th floor of an office block in Lambton Quay - felt like I was bouncing up and down in my chair."