One of the largest earthquakes in New Zealand since 2011 has shaken Christchurch - forcing some buildings to be evacuated.

The magnitude 5.7 quake was centered 15km east of the city at a relatively shallow depth of 15km.

It has been classified as a 'severe' quake by New Zealand's geological agency.

The Guardian reports several people were injured, with paramedics responding to a number of calls after people fell over during the earthquake. 

A number of shops and other buildings are said to have been evacuated as a precaution.

However, there have been no reports of serious damage or injuries. 

Images shared on social media showed a cliff in the Christchurch suburb of Sumner collapsing as a result of the earthquake, sending a large cloud of dust across the area.

Dust cloud after cliff fall in Sumner 5.9 earthquake just now! pic.twitter.com/Lzn78e5RIO

— Rob Simcic (@RobSimcic) February 14, 2016

It is nearly five years since 185 people were killed in a powerful earthquake which destroyed much of the Christchurch city centre.