A magnitude 5.1 earthquake has been recorded on the East Coast.

Geonet says the quake struck just before 6 this evening and its centre was 65km east of Te Araroa at a depth of 22km.

Earlier this month a 7.1-magnitude quake in the area caused a 30cm tsunami and had people heading for high ground.

Seismologists say the area can expect sizeable aftershocks for up to two years after such an event.