Earthquake shakes Seddon in South Island

The magnitude 4.5 quake struck just east of Seddon shortly before 4am. Photo / iStock

A moderate earthquake shook the top of the South Island early this morning.

The magnitude 4.5 quake struck just east of Seddon shortly before 4am.

The quake was about 21km deep.

It was about 21km deep.

A few people woken by the quake took to Twitter after they were jolted awake.

Insomnia problem #29 feel every small earthquake of the wee hours. #eqnz

— Sammy Jay (@sampire01) June 11, 2016

"Insomnia problem #29 feel every small earthquake of the wee hours. #eqnz" wrote Samantha Jane.

"Go away. I just want to sleep. #eqnz" another Twitter user wrote.