Huge earthquake strikes off the coast of New Zealand, raising tsunami fears

A MASSIVE earthquake has hit off the New Zealand coast, with tsunami waves already hitting the beaches.

The 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit about 105 miles northeast of Gisborne, on the north island with New Zealand's Minister of Civil Defence and Emergency Management now warning of a potential tsunami threat.

The first tsunami activity has already hit New Zealand with a wave height measuring 30cm measured at East Cape barely an hour after the initial rumble.

MSDEM has now issued a tsunami warning for the East Coast of North Island (including Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty).

In a series of tweets, the MCDEM warned people to stay out of the water, saying: "There is a potential tsunami threat for New Zealand following the 7m earthquake near Te Araroa at 4.38NZ time today."

The quake, which happened just after 5.30pm British time, struck at a depth of 27km, about 19.1 miles.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has already reported "small tsunami waves" had been observed after the quake.

Locals have been advised to be observant and to exercise normal caution with people in the affected area warned by authorities to expect aftershocks.

The MCDEM said scientific advisors were currently assessing the situation.