New Zealand hit by magnitude-6 earthquake, no serious damage ...

A magnitude-6 earthquake has struck in the centre of New Zealand's South Island, government seismic monitor GeoNet says, but initial reports indicate no injuries or significant damage. 

The earthquake, the largest in the country this year, hit at 9:14am local time near Geraldine at a focal depth of 11 kilometres.

GeoNet said more than 14,000 people reported feeling the shake, some as far north as Auckland on the North Island.

Sarah Hussey, a farmer close to the epicentre, said the quake had been stronger than others she remembered.

"There's no damage here, but I thought it was thunder for a start. The house lifted up for a bit," she told TVNZ's 1News.

Timaru Deputy Mayor Scott Shannon told Radio NZ there had been no immediate reports of damage but checks were ongoing.

GeoNet said a magnitude-3.4 shake followed at 11:42am local time, causing light shaking 45 kilometres north of Geraldine at a depth of 6 kilometres.

The quake struck not far from where a 6.3 magnitude quake hit in 2011, killing 185 people and causing major damage in the South Island city of Christchurch. 

Reuters