© NZPA/Ross SetfordA 6.5-magnitude quake centered near Lake Taupo is the largest to hit the area in years and was widely felt, but there have been no reports of any damage.
A 6.5 magnitude earthquake west of Taupo this afternoon was felt widely through the North and South islands, but no damage has been reported.
The quake, which struck at 3.36pm, was centred 150km deep, 30km west of Taupo.
The deep rolling earthquake was felt throughout the lower North Island and as far south as Christchurch.
GNS volcanologist Brad Scott said although the earthquake was centred near Taupo it would have been felt more strongly along the East Coast, particularly the Napier through Wellington region, because of its depth.
Today's earthquake was fairly typical movement, he told Radio New Zealand.
"We would typically have maybe two or three events around maybe 5.5 and 6 (magnitude) at about 150-200km depth a year under the North Island. It's slightly larger than average but it's kind of what we really expect."
It would generate some aftershocks "but at that depth and being smaller than the main shock they are very unlikely to be noticed", he said.
Bookshelves swayed but no books were dislodged at Wellington Central Library, while John Key's press secretary, Lesley Hamilton, said the quake was felt strongly on the ninth floor of the Beehive.