The quake struck off the coast of the North Island
 The quake struck off the coast of the North Island (Picture: Google/Metro.co.uk)

A powerful earthquake struck New Zealand earlier today, triggering a tsunami warning.

People near the coast who felt a long or slow quake were urged to get to high ground or as far inland as they can.

The warning has since been withdrawn, with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) saying: ‘There is no longer a tsunami threat from this earthquake.’

They had earlier said that high waves were possible within 180 miles of the earthquake’s epicentre, which was near Te Araroa in the North Island.

Writing on Twitter, one woman said: ‘Felt it in Waimarama. It was a strong one! Thankfully, we are high up but I hope those by the sea are getting ready to leave.’

Another said: ‘Woke me here in Tauranga. Was like someone kept on nudging the bed with their knee.’

While another man said: ‘Whole house was shaking for like 2 minutes here in Para.’

For one man, it was ‘by far the largest earthquake I’ve felt in Auckland, in the 22 years I’ve lived here’.

Those who experienced it described a ‘very long, swaying shake’ and some heard ‘cracking’ sounds.

New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency had warned: ‘Anyone near the coast who felt a LONG or STRONG quake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can.’

The extent of any damage is not yet clear.

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