A strong magnitude 5.2 quake was felt widely across central New Zealand early today.
The quake, which was located 15km west of Masterton and struck at a depth of 24km, disrupted commuter train services out of the Wairarapa and prompted checks on the region's bridges.
But while the strong jolt may have frayed nerves and shaken a few china cabinets, it appeared the region escaped largely unscathed.
Masterton police acting senior sergeant Quentin Hoera said there were no reports of harm or damage as yet.
A central fire communications spokesman also confirmed they had not received any calls or reports of damage.
Many who felt today's tremor described it as a "booming" quake which jolted many out of their beds when it struck at 7.41am.
It was followed by scores of light aftershocks, the largest measuring magnitude 3.4.
Several domestic flights due to fly out of the capital at the time the quake shook the region were delayed but otherwise flights in and out of Wellington Airport appeared to be running to schedule.
Tranz Metro cancelled its 8.25am service from Wellington to Masterton. Passengers were transferred to buses and people were told to expect further delays to services due to the quake.
The New Zealand Transport Agency said it would be carrying out usual post-quake assessments around the region to ensure no maintenance was needed on highway bridges.
Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson said the quake rattled the windows of her home.
"It seemed to go on for a while but it wasn't a real swaying earthquake."
Reikorangi woman Anne Galloway described it as a "booming" quake.
"The cat dove under the bed and the ducks went into a total frenzy. Wonder what the sheep thought?"
Others reported on social media houses rattling and rumbling as the vigorous tremor unleashed it force.
Said Pip Clement: "It was quite strong, china cabinet was shaking quite badly."
"While house rattled and rumbled ... Was not a nice wake up call that's for sure!!" posted Carterton resident Sammie Stannard.
An Upper Plain resident who lives 4km west of Masterton, Di Grant, said the quake lasted for longer than many she had felt at the house before.
"My husband came through to see that I was okay. It was quite vigorous."
Another Upper Plain resident Chelsea Macklin said this morning's earthquake made the trophies in her room shake but nothing fell.
"It was very rumbly and went on for a while."
Geonet said there were more than 2800 reports of the quake being felt mainly south of Taranaki and Hawkes Bay through to the top of the South Island. There had been more than 20 aftershocks in the hours following the quake but these were expected to decrease in frequency throughout the day.
