NEW Zealand’s South Island has been hit with another severe earthquake.

The 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit near Kaikoura, the same place that was rocked by the 7.8 magnitude quake in November.

The earthquake hit 30 kilometres east of Seddon, a town in the South Island’s Marlborough wine region.

GNS Science reports the earthquake is severe and about 17 kilometres deep.

The New Zealand Herald reports aftershocks have already been felt, and 7000 people are believed to have felt the earthquake.

The aftershocks since the major earthquake about 3.30pm have been magnitudes of 3.8 and 3.3.

It was felt in Wellington, in the North Island, and even Christchurch.

Chinchilla News reports New Zealander Michael Duncan was in his house in Wanganui East, part of the Manawatu-Wanganui region, when the earthquake hit.

“The rubble started and I thought it was just a bus going by but then I heard creaks in the house and thought, ‘oh my goodness, this is another quake’. It went for some time,” he said.

The earth just moved for me! We've just had a mag 5.5 earthquake in Wellington: quite a shake. — Nature Hiker (@NZNaturist64) December 29, 2016

Holy moly that was a big shake! People were under desks at work. Guess it's a reminder that it's not over... #eqnz — Sarah (@redsezz) December 29, 2016

Another nearby resident said the quake shook the area violently for up to 15 seconds.

GNS said people inside buildings should take no more than a few steps.

People should stay inside until the shaking stops. Those outdoors should stay away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines.

There have been no reported deaths.

This earthquake comes just one month after a horrific 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the South Island near Hamner Springs, north of Christchurch.

It left two people dead and there were tsunami warnings put in place. It was estimated the clean-up could cost hundreds and millions of dollars.

The earthquake cracked roads and triggered dangerous landslides.

GNS Science reports St John has had no reports of injuries or damage at this current time.

Kayla Jones, a worker at the Cosy Corner Cafe in Seddon, told stuff.co.nz they had been experiencing recent rumbles, but this was “a big one”.

“It was bloody scary. It’s those big ones that make you stand up and swear which I dread,” she said.

Despite there being no damage, earthquakes can take a mental and emotional toll on locals.

“People are being strong for each other and their families but inside we’re all crapping our pants,” she said.

“It reminds you of everything. We’re waiting for that big one.”