A magnitude 5.1 earthquake has struck near Whanganui.
The quake occurrred at 10.17am on Tuesday, centred 30km south-west of the city at a depth of 30km.
GNS Science spokesperson Caroline Holden says the quake was strong enough to knock objects off shelves.
She says the city of Whanganui is built on soft soil so earthquakes are strongly felt.
Police and the city council say there have been no reports of damage.