A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near New Zealand's capital Wellington on Monday, government seismic monitor Geonet said.
The earthquake was 46 kms deep and 25km northwest of Levin, according to Geonet.
A Reuters witness felt strong shaking in Wellington. Emergency officials said there were no immediate reports of damage.
New Zealand lies on the seismically active "Ring of Fire," a 40,000-km arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean.