A 5.6-magnitude earthquake has rattled Wellington and been felt as far away as Christchurch.
GeoNet reported the quake was 130km deep and 75km north of the French Pass at the top of the South Island.
More than 20,000 people reported feeling the jolt, with 30 people saying it felt "extreme".
"Long rumble then a bang and a slower retreat," commented one person on Twitter.
Another Kiwi said they were out for brunch on Wellington's Oriental Pde when they felt a "wobble side to side".
"Thought it was the bins being emptied," they said.
"Felt in Chch, thought that sh** was way closer," said another.
