Strong quake hits NZ near South Island

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake has been recorded near Blenheim just off South Island with the tremor felt in Wellington and Christchurch as well.

A memorial service was held in Christchurch to mark the fifth anniversary of the 2011 earthquake. (AAP)

A severe magnitude 5.0 earthquake has struck near Blenheim on New Zealand's South Island.

The quake occurred around 30km southeast of Seddon on Monday afternoon, just off the coast, at a depth of eight kilometres.

The tremor was felt in Blenheim, Wellington and Christchurch with at least 900 reports of moderate and light shaking within 10 minutes of the quake hitting but there are no reports of any serious damage.

Civil Defence says at this stage there is no tsunami risk.