The 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck central New Zealand last night is related to the area that caused the Kaikōura shake a year ago.
Photo: GeoNet
The quake, which struck 11.28pm, was centred 30km west of Wellington in Cook Strait, at a depth of 36km.
GNS duty seismologist Anna Kaiser told Morning Report it was caused by the Hikurangi Subduction System.
"It's a little bit further north than the hub of activity we've seen following the Kaikōura earthquake, but it is still quite common to get that sort of earthquake in that area."
Listen to an interview with Anna Kaiser
More than 11,000 people from as far south as Gore and as far north as Hamilton reported feeling the shake.
Police had received no reports of damage.
Wellington Council and the Fire and Emergency said this morning there have been no callouts relating to the quake.
"It sounded like a truck coming down the road, Finance Minister Grant Roberston told Morning Report.
Earthquakes like last night's are a good reminder for everyone to get themselves as quake-prepared as possible, Ms Kaiser said.
"An unfortunate first anniversary present of the big Kaikōura quake."