A magnitude 3.0 earthquake which struck near Te Aroha has been reportedly felt in Tauranga this evening.

The earthquake struck at 7.05pm with a depth of 5km, and is described as having light shaking, according to Geonet.

More than 600 people felt the quake, with 368 people describing it as "weak" and a further 205 people describing it as light.

According to the Geonet website, the earthquake was felt by people in Te Aroha, Tauranga, Waihi, Paeroa and Katikati.

For more information on the earthquake, visit the Geonet website.