A STRONG 5.2 magnitude earthquake has rattled the lower North Island this morning.

Geonet says the quake was located 10km west of Masterton and was 24km deep.

The strong quake was followed by three quick aftershocks including one measuring magnitude 3.1.

Several domestic flights due to fly out of the capital around the strong quake struck were delayed but otherwise flights in and out of Wellington Airport appeared to be running to schedule.

A Central fire communications spokesman confirmed they had not received any calls or reports of damage.

People are reporting the 5.2 quake was widely felt across the lower half of the island.

Fatima Savea, wife of All Black Julian, tweeted: "Wow anyone else felt that earthquake????"

Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson said the quake rattled her house windows.

"It seemed to go on for a while but it wasn't a real swaying earthquake."

Reikorangi woman Anne Galloway described it as a "booming" quake.

"The cat dove under the bed and the ducks went into a total frenzy. Wonder what the sheep thought?"

Singer and Weekend Herald columnist Lizzie Marvelly tweeted: "Oh goodness Welly! I'm heading your way today and you're going all #eqnz on me? Hoping everyone is okay?!"

- NZ Herald