A short and sharp earthquake has been felt across the country by more than 14,000 people this evening.

GeoNet reported the moderate 4.8 magnitude quake struck 10km southeast of Picton at a depth of 28km at 8.26pm.

It has currently been felt by 14,845 people as far north as Auckland. It was widely felt around the lower North Island and upper South Island.

Texters in the Marcus Lush show on Newstalk ZB said they felt an “almighty snap” in Picton. Another said it was a “good shake” on the Kapiti Coast.

Social media was abuzz after the quake, with many describing it as the “shortest quake” they had ever felt.

“That was the quickest one I’ve ever felt,” one person, who said they lived in Havelock, posted to Reddit.

“That was the shortest earthquake I have ever felt,” another person said in a tweet.

A resident of the Pelorus Sound that borders the Cook Strait said they heard a “rumbling sound followed by a sudden big jolt and smaller shakes lasting 15 or so seconds”.

- More to come.