“This is due to the subducting tectonic plate under the North Island – most of the quake’s energy travels up and along the plate to the surface,” GeoNet said on Facebook.
“Though the epicentre is close to Taumarunui it is not a continuation of the earthquake sequence that rocked the settlement earlier in the year.”
People on social media described a noticeable shake with swaying, jolting and rolling across parts of the North and South islands.
“Was surprised we felt it. The whole lounge wobbled,” one person in Nelson commented.
Another in Wellington said: “Yep! Felt in Wellington City… jolt followed by slow rolling.”
Felt reports across the country after a quake was recorded northeast of Taumarunui at 6.25pm on Thursday. Image / GeoNet
“Good shake and then rolling in Palmy North,” another wrote.
A person in the Marlborough Sounds described a “moderate 5 to 8 second wobble in the sounds”.