The cluster of quakes were not very strong, but were close to the surface. Photo:
A GNS scientist says a cluster of small earthquakes around Taupō were quite close to the surface - which is why so many people felt them.
The series of shakes began just before 6pm on Thursday and continued on and off throughout the night.
GNS scientist Ery Hughes said despite the earthquakes topping out at just above magnitude three it was the shallow depth of the shakes that left residents rattled, with some at a depth of just 3km.
GeoNet designated the earthquakes as 'weak', but the system does not take into account how shallow the earthquakes were and how close people lived to them.
Some residents took to social media platforms to discuss the shakes, with one user writing that they were "Woken up by the 3am shake".
Another user wrote "How long has this been going on for?".
Some even said that they "were waiting for a big one to come".
Hughes said while earthquakes could be expected in geothermal areas such as Taupō, that was not necessarily a sign of volcanic activity.
The rate of earthquakes was higher than usual, but they were continuing to monitor activity in the area.
Hughes also advised that anybody with concerns regarding earthquakes or volcanic activity should visit the GeoNet website for more resources or Civil Defence preparation website getready.govt.nz.
