A magnitude 5.0 earthquake has struck 25 kilometres northeast of Seddon, in the Marlborough district at the top of the South Island.
More than 11,000 people have reported feeling the earthquake, which hit about 5.49pm.
It had a depth of 11 kilometres, and the shaking was "moderate", according to GeoNet.
Geonet said it may have been felt as far south as Cheviot, and as far north as the Tararua District in the North Island.
An RNZ reporter in Wellington said the jolt was a quick and sudden fright, which had produced loud shaking sounds from the house and strong side-to-side movement, but was over very fast.
Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor said it gave the cupboards a good rattle.
"Probably quite a timely reminder to us all to stop, drop cover and hold if an earthquake comes through, we haven't had one through Blenheim for a wee while, so always good to have a reminder."
She had not heard any reports of damage.
The last time the region was badly hit was during the Kaikōura earthquake in 2016, which devastated homes in Seddon and Ward.
"We're not unfamiliar with earthquakes," she said. "This one wasn't big, it was just a nice little roll."
Wellington resident Lesleigh Salinger said she felt it in her Karori apartment.
"I react in dread, waiting for it to get bigger and go on longer, but it didn't last too long. But it was a noticeable shake."
Her first response was to check GeoNet, she said.
As she grew older, she was becoming more nervous about earthquakes, she said - particularly when she was alone.
"I think I've got a vivid imagination," she said, laughing. "I've got a colleague and friend, and she's a geographer [...] and they don't worry her at all, but oh God, they certainly do me."
She said she kept an earthquake kit in her car, including a sleeping bag, first aid kit, warm clothes and sensible shoes.
