UPDATED 11.35AM: There's been a quake in the waters off East Cape that's being classed as severe.

GNS says it had a 5.7 magnitude and was 25 kilometres deep.

It was centred under the sea, 100-kilometres north east of Te Araroa.

It has reportedly been felt as far as Auckland, and even Wellington. 

The council's Civil Defence and Emergency staff say they've spoken with locals in Te Araroa and Tolaga Bay schools, who reported feeling only a minor rattle and chose not to evacuate their grounds.