Watch: Large tornado rips through farms near Hamilton as Civil Defence warns don't stand in front taking videos

A large tornado has torn through farmland in Waikato early this afternoon.

Eureka sharemilker Sam Owen snapped photos of the tornado while sitting on his tractor today near State Highway 1B, on the outskirts of Hamilton, around 12.45pm.

Waikato Civil Defence told people not to be alarmed.

"These happen a lot ‘round here. If it happens to you don't stand in front of it filming until you wet your pants. (Happens)."

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says they haven’t been called out to any events relating to the tornado.

Metservice says they have not received any reports of damage.

Thunderstorms are predicted in the area.