Wellington  - New Zealand's capital Wellington was shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale shortly before 9 am on Saturday (2000 GMT Friday).

The quake was centred 80 kilometres north of the capital at a depth of 50 kilometres below the surface, according to the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences.

The institute said the quake was felt widely across the lower North Island and upper South Island.

There were no immediate reports of damage but Radio New Zealand said the quake caused high-rise buildings in the capital to sway. (dpa)