Quake felt across lower North, top South Island

An earthquake measuring five on the Richter scale has been felt through-out the bottom of the North Island and the top of the South Island.

The quake had a focal depth of 170km and struck off the coast of Taranaki, about 80km south-west of Hawera, shortly after 6am.

Over 60 homes and businesses had reported feeling the quake on the GeoNet website by 8.30am.

The quake was reported through-out the Kapiti and Wellington region as well as Golden Bay and Marlborough in the South Island.

- NZ HERALD STAFF