An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale has been recorded 70 kilometres east of Te Araroa in the Gisborne area.

It was at a depth of 12 kilometres and came at 4.30 this afternoon.

Quakes have continued to be felt overnight and throughout today, all of magnitudes ranging from 3.1 to four until the 5.5 magnitude shake.

That has been followed by 10 further quakes, all less intense, in the past few minutes.