'Severe' earthquake near Wairoa overnight

The 5.1 earthquake near Wairoa hit at 8:21pm, at a depth of 13km and 35km north of the town. Photo / GeoNet

A 5.1 earthquake struck near the North Island town of Wairoa last night.

It hit at 8:21pm, at a depth of 13km and 35km north of the town.

GeoNet classified the quake as 'severe'.

More than 900 people reported feeling the earthquake.

Reports came in from as high up the country as Auckland, to some at the bottom of the North Island and in the South Island in Nelson and Christchurch.

More than 900 people have reported feeling the 5.1 quake. Photo / GeoNet

Looks like that was a decent rattle. Hope everyone in the Hawke's Bay is doing ok #eqnz https://t.co/FaZ8GroTsM

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) November 26, 2016