A major undersea earthquake with a 6.7 magnitude struck off the remote New Ireland area of Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said.

The epicentre of the quake, which struck at the early hours in the morning was located 95 kilometres south-southeast of Taron, New Ireland, the USGS said.

It took place at a depth of 35 kilometres.

Papua New Guinea sits on the so-called Pacific 'Ring of Fire", where continental plates meet.

The region is frequently rocked by earthquakes.