North Korea intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching Auckland - experts

New Zealanders often consider themselves relatively sheltered from a North Korea missile launch - however we might not be so lucky.

Based on the country's most recent test in July, experts now believe our biggest city is within range of an intercontinental attack.

North Korea has conducted two successful tests of an intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-14, this year.

An ABC News Australia report has put the second test's estimated range of 10,000 kilometres on a map - showing it is capable of reaching Northland, Auckland and Waikato.

North Korea intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching Auckland - experts
Photo credit: ABC News

Auckland is 9,810 kilometres from Pyongyang.

For now - at least - the rest of the country is safe.

Foreign Affairs Minister Gerry Brownlee has previously acknowledged he's concerned North Korea could develop a missile with enough power to reach Kiwi shores.

"If they ever get to a point where they can hit the continental USA, then they'll also be able to hit us," he told Newshub in June - one month before the long-range test.

Mr Brownlee said a missile launch needs to be treated as a real concern, with Kim Jong-un in power.

"This guy is irrational. He's nuts and not a sort of person that you'd want to have with a finger anywhere near the trigger of a nuclear weapon."

All of Australia, Los Angeles, and most of Europe could also be reached within the 10,000 kilometre radius.

With the rotation of the earth, Washington and New York would also be in range.

Newshub.