A magnitude 6.1 earthquake has struck New Zealand’s North Island, prompting the suspension of parliament.

Residents across the capital Wellington and in the city of New Plymouth were rattled by the 227-kilometre-deep tremor.

It was centred 25-kilometres south-west of Taumarunui (in the central North Island) and described as strong, according to GeoNet.

New Zealand’s parliament, sitting at the time, was suspended after the prolonged rumble to allow for the precinct’s buildings to be checked.

Tens of thousands of people across central New Zealand have reported feeling the shaking.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said there had been no reports of damage and there was no tsunami risk, according to civil defence.

The quake was initially put at a magnitude of 6.2.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan had engagements on Tuesday in Auckland, where some people said they did feel shaking.