A 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit 5km south of Culverden on the morning of 9 December, 2023. Photo: Supplied / GeoNet
A 4.4 magnitude earthquake has hit near Culverden in the South Island on Saturday morning.
GeoNet said the quake hit at 9.30am at depth of 12km, and reported it as having 'strong' shaking.
On X it said the quake may have been felt in several parts of the South Island including: Christchurch, Akaroa, Greymouth and Arthurs Pass.
Just after 8.30am today a magnitude 3.5 earthquake occurred near Wellington, causing light shaking.
It was centred 10km south-east of Lower Hutt at a depth of 20km.