Geonet has recorded a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 and 8kms deep in the Cook Strait around 30kms from Seddon.

It struck just before 4:10pm and was felt by many in Wellington.

Marlborough District Council Emergency Services Manager Brian Paton said of the 760 people that have reported feeling the quake, only two have rated it as moderate.

He said the vast majority are reporting it as a light shake and he's not expecting there to be too much harm done by it.

Many in Wellington have also taken to social media to report feeling the shake.