The Japanese quake-generated tsunami has hit New Zealand shores in the last few minutes, but at a height of just 15cm.
Waves hit the North Cape of New Zealand at 7.10am, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council said.
Although the height of the wave was just 15cm, the council warned higher waves were expected to follow in the next few hours, following Japan's deadly 8.9-magnitude quake yesterday.
Civil Defence this morning downgraded a tsunami warning to a marine threat and minor land threat for coastal areas between Northland and the Bay of Plenty and the Chatham Islands.
Nelson is the last place in New Zealand expected to be hit by the tsunami-generated waves, at about 11.15am.
