An earthquake that was felt throughout the country at the weekend topped 12,000 reports.

The 5.8 magnitude quake hit 20km south-east of Tokoroa around 7.20 on Saturday morning.

GeoNet scientists say the 12,000 reports are closing in on the record held by the July 3 Opunake quake, which currently has 12,282 reports.

GeoNet says the reports are concentrated from Auckland down to Christchurch with a few from Northland and as far afield as Dunedin.

Scientists say although these quakes are not damaging, they are rumble on for many seconds.

'That can be nerve-racking and when much of the population of New Zealand shares the experience, that's certainly a talking point for the morning.”

GeoNet has reported on two other quakes like the Tokoroa one recently:

Oct 17 2012 - Deep North Island quake under Taupo

Jul 4 2012 - Deep 7.0 shakes central New Zealand