A magnitude 5.5 quake has been recorded in the upper South Island of New Zealand.

The quake occurred about 4.15pm (2.15 AEDT) on Sunday and was recorded as strong by GeoNet. The magnitude is an initial reading.

It was at a depth of 12 kilometres and was centred 10 kilometres east of Seddon, a small town in Marlborough.

Marlborough District Council mayor John Leggett said he was at the Picton Christmas parade when the quake occurred.