A MASSIVE earthquake has hit off the New Zealand coast, with tsunami waves already hitting the beaches.

The 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit about 105 miles northeast of Gisborne, on the north island with New Zealand's Minister of Civil Defence and Emergency Management now warning of a potential tsunami threat.

2 The earthquake hit about 100 miles from Gisborne, (stock image) Credit: Getty Images

There is a potential tsunami threat for New Zealand following the 7m earthquake near Te Araroa at 4.38NZ time today. #eqnz — National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) September 1, 2016

The first tsunami activity has arrived. A wave height measuring 30cm was measured at East Cape a short time ago. #EQNZ — National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) September 1, 2016

Estimates of expected threat levels are as per the attached map. Waves are anticipated to be between 0.2-1m. #EQNZ pic.twitter.com/OcRS80Qojq — National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) September 1, 2016

The rumbles were recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The first tsunami activity has already hit New Zealand with a wave height measuring 30cm measured at East Cape barely an hour after the initial rumble.

MSDEM has now issued a tsunami warning for the East Coast of North Island (including Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty).

In a series of tweets, the MCDEM warned people to stay out of the water, saying: "There is a potential tsunami threat for New Zealand following the 7m earthquake near Te Araroa at 4.38NZ time today."

The quake, which happened just after 5.30pm British time, struck at a depth of 27km, about 19.1 miles.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has already reported "small tsunami waves" had been observed after the quake.

Locals have been advised to be observant and to exercise normal caution with people in the affected area warned by authorities to expect aftershocks.

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The MCDEM said scientific advisors were currently assessing the situation.

Reports from across the country's north island have since flooded in, with several reporting they felt strong rumbles.

There have been no reports of damage as of yet.

People have been warned to not go sightseeing and to stay off beaches and shore areas. 2

7.1 earthquake NE of TE Araroa scientific advisors currently #eqnz — National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) September 1, 2016

People in the affected area should expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover and hold. #EQNZ — National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) September 1, 2016

New Zealand has been on high alert since a massive earthquake flattened Christchurch in 2011.

The quake, which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, killed more than 180 people and left more than 160 seriously injured.

The huge tremor, which struck at a depth of 5km, seriously damaged much of the city.

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