Schoolchildren in New Zealand were forced to scramble underneath their desks as a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the country's North Island.

Residents across the capital Wellington and in the city of New Plymouth were rattled by the 227km-deep tremor.

It was centred 25km southwest of Taumarunui and described as strong, according to GeoNet.

New Zealand's parliament, sitting at the time, was suspended after the prolonged rumble to allow for the precinct's buildings to be checked.

After the quake, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted a tweet saying that it was "widely felt across central NZ" and urged residents to check on those around them.

Tens of thousands of people across the centre of the country have reported feeling the shaking, which is believed to have continued for a long time.

Geonet, a hazard information service for New Zealand, said more than 15,000 reports have been received of people who felt the quake and that aftershocks are a possibility.

Worried students took to social media to show themselves hurrying to sit underneath their desks in their classroom at the time of the quake.

The earthquake comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, are visiting New Zealand's north island , however they are currently more than 300km north in Auckland.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said there had been no reports of damage and there is no tsunami risk, according to civil defence.

Today's tremor was initially recorded as a 6.2 earthquake, before being confirmed as a magnitude 6.1.

Civil Defense Minister Kris Faafoi later said that residents should remain cautious and vigilant for potential aftershocks.

"It's obviously given people a bit of a shake," he told reporters today.

"So, just make sure people look after each other and remember those basic lessons around safety."

(9NEWS)

New Zealand is a country that is located in-line with the notorious 'ring of fire', along an underground fault line zone known for consistent quakes and tremors.

In the past two years, the country has been struck by five earthquakes all above 5.5 in magnitude, and with two above 7.0 occurring between September and November last year.

Today's quake took place near the volcanically-active region of Tongariro National Park, however Mr Faafoi said he is not aware of any increase in volcanic activity.