Earthquakes in New Zealand today
Earthquakes in New Zealand and nearby from the last 30 days, refreshed every 5 minutes from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Below, the strongest earthquakes on record.
Last 30 days
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Strongest earthquakes in New Zealand since 1900
Since 1900 the USGS catalog lists 118 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or more in New Zealand. The strongest was magnitude 7.8 (July 15, 2009 and November 13, 2016). In the last 10 years there were 159 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or more, about 16 a year. The strongest in the last 12 months: M5.9, July 16, 2026.
| Date | Magnitude | Location (USGS) | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2009 | 7.8 | 97 km WSW of Te Anau, New Zealand | 12 km |
| November 13, 2016 | 7.8 | 53 km NNE of Amberley, New Zealand | 15 km |
| March 25, 1947 | 7.7 | 46 km E of Gisborne, New Zealand | 15 km |
| May 17, 1947 | 7.6 | 82 km ENE of Gisborne, New Zealand | 25 km |
| September 1, 1945 | 7.5 | 173 km WSW of Riverton, New Zealand | 20 km |
| February 2, 1931 | 7.4 | 47 km WSW of Hastings, New Zealand | 35 km |
| October 12, 1979 | 7.4 | 180 km W of Riverton, New Zealand | 33 km |
| March 4, 2021 | 7.3 | 182 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand | 10 km |
Earthquakes in other countries
FAQ
Was there an earthquake in New Zealand today?
The list at the top of this page shows every earthquake of magnitude 2.5 or more from the last 30 days, refreshed every 5 minutes. The newest are first.
What was the strongest earthquake in New Zealand?
According to the USGS catalog, magnitude 7.8, on July 15, 2009 and November 13, 2016.
How often are there earthquakes in New Zealand?
In the last 10 years USGS recorded 159 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or more here, about 16 a year. Smaller ones, felt only locally, are far more common.
Where does the data come from?
From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which collects data from seismic networks around the world. Local agencies may report a slightly different magnitude.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), ANSS Comprehensive Catalog.