5.7 magnitude earthquake rattles central New Zealand

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake has rattled central New Zealand, waking many people early this morning.

GeoNet says the earthquake was at a depth of 146km, north west of French Pass at the top of the South Island.

The GeoNet shake report map shows where people say they felt the earthquake. Image / GeoNet

More than 13,000 people from as far south as Christchurch and north to Auckland have reported feeling the shake, most saying it was light to moderate.

Linda, a caller from Nelson, told Newstalk ZB the quake happened during the 3am news bulletin.

She says it felt like quite a good shake, and gave her wardrobe door a good rattle.

There have so far been no reports of damage.