Hundreds of people have reported being shaken awake this morning in Bay of Plenty.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Te Kaha at 5.46am, according to GeoNet. 

It was 29 kilometres deep.

Nearly 300 people have been on the GeoNet website saying they felt the jolt from as far afield as Auckland and Nelson.

Most thought it felt like a light quake, although it's officially being classed as a moderate one.