UPDATED 9.21am: A strong 5.2 quake has struck near Masterton.

The quake was felt across the lower North Island when it hit just before 8am today.

It’s the second large quake of the morning for the region after an earlier 4.7 quake struck at 7.15am.

The latest quake was centred 10km west of Masterton at a depth of 35km and was felt as far as afield as New Plymouth to Nelson.

The fire service confirmed it has not yet received any reports of damage since the 7.55am quake.

Geonet duty seismologist Caroline Little said there are just a few reports of strong intensity shaking.

"So if it has caused damage it's most likely just things to your dishes and rattle your windows and that sort of thing but we aren't looking at structural damage."

Ms Little said the fact there have been two quakes in the same place already this morning, means it's possible there will be more quakes there again.

One resident, who lives 5km west of Masterton, said: "We felt the two larger ones.... A picture fell over otherwise no damage but certainly a strongly felt movement within our house."

Masterton district councillor Pip Hannon said she'd felt a big jolt while sitting at the table this morning but it hadn't caused anything to fall over.

She said it was very windy in the area this morning and the quake had come at the end of a big gust of wind.

Acting Masterton district mayor David Holmes said he had just spoken to council's asset manager who confirmed there had as yet been no reports of damage.

Mr Holmes said he had been standing by a concrete power pole which began shaking as the earthquake hit, so he got out of the way quickly.

Train services have been delayed by the shakes.

Tranz Metro announced this morning: “The 6.48am service from Masterton to Wellington is running approximately 10 minutes late from Featherston due to an earthquake.”

KiwiRail spokesman Ron Murray said KiwiRail had closed a piece of line between Upperhutt and Masterton to make sure there was no damage.

A decision on whether to re-open it would be made soon.