Geonet reports the moderate magnitude 3.9 quake hit just before 1.50pm - seven kilometres deep and five kilometres south-west of the city.
More than 10 thousand people reported being shaken.
Most thought the jolt was moderate in strength, but a few called it more intense.
People messaging on Facebook say it felt much stronger in Papanui and Wigram - and as far out as West Melton.