Wellington earthquake: Magnitude 4.2 quake shakes lower North Island

A magnitude 4.2 earthquake has struck off the Wellington coast. Photo / GeoNet

An earthquake has shaken parts of the lower North Island this evening, leaving thousands rattled.

Preliminary data from GeoNet shows a magnitude 4.2 quake struck about 25km southwest of Wellington at 9.02pm, at a depth of 22km.

The shaking was classified as “light”, with close to 6000 people reporting they felt the tremor.

An earthquake has rattled the lower North Island. Photo / GeoNet

GeoNet said the details were preliminary and could be subject to revision.

Residents around the capital took to Facebook to share their experiences, with multiple users saying they heard the quake before they felt it.

One Karori local said the tremor felt like a “jolt and a pop”.

Another said it felt like a “thud”, adding it “felt like only half the lounge shook”.

One user said the quake felt more “sudden and sharp” in southern Wellington.

Residents in Lower Hutt, Te Aro, Lyall Bay, Paraparaumu, and Thorndon said they felt the tremor.