An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale has shaken the Wellington area and the top of the South Island. The quake was recorded at 7.19pm this evening and struck 30km east of Picton at a depth of 60km.
GeoNet duty officer Dr Tony Hurst says this shake is the biggest they have recorded in the area for around 20 years.
The fire service in Wellington says it has had no reports of damage yet, and Dr Hurst is not expecting any major damage, mainly just items falling from shelves.
A Christchurch resident who is visiting Wellington for a wedding had just finished telling other guests about the aftershocks in Christchurch when the earthquake hit.
She said guests stood up from the reception and ran outside. Glasses and wine bottles were shaking.
