Recent earthquakes in New Zealand
New Zealand straddles the boundary between the Pacific and Australian plates, which subducts along the Hikurangi margin beneath the North Island and becomes the Alpine Fault through the South Island. This makes the whole country seismically active. The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake (M7.8) ruptured a remarkable sequence of faults across the northern South Island. In the past 24 hours, New Zealand has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.3 | Oct 26, 06:24 UTC | 40 km | 16 km SSW of Renwick, New Zealand |
Notable recent activity
An M4.3 earthquake struck 16 km SSW of Renwick, New Zealand at 06:24 UTC on Oct 26 at a depth of 40 km.
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes does New Zealand get?
GeoNet records around 15,000 to 20,000 earthquakes in and around New Zealand each year, though only a few hundred are felt. The country's position astride an active plate boundary keeps it constantly active.
Why does New Zealand have earthquakes?
The Pacific and Australian plates meet through New Zealand, subducting along the Hikurangi Trench off the North Island and grinding past each other along the Alpine Fault in the South Island. This boundary drives frequent earthquakes nationwide.
What was the biggest earthquake in New Zealand?
The 1855 Wairarapa earthquake near Wellington, estimated at magnitude 8.2, is the largest known in New Zealand's recorded history. In modern times, the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake (M7.8) and the deadly 2011 Christchurch earthquake (M6.3) were the most significant.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.