Fireball seen streaking across North Island skies

Wednesday 29 July 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 29 Jul, 8:40am

In this story Fireballs Aotearoa

A bright fireball was observed across the North Island at 10.26pm on Tuesday. The object was accompanied by a rumbling sound or sonic boom that some people mistook for an earthquake. Fireballs Aotearoa received several reports regarding the celestial event.

How they headlined it

6:37am7:44am8:40am

1. StuffWed 29 Jul, 6:37am

   Sonic boom heard as fireball shoots across NZ skies (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldWed 29 Jul, 7:44am

   Suspected fireball meteor lights up North Island sky, ‘sonic boom’ heard (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsWed 29 Jul, 8:40am

   'Hell of a fright': Fireball seen streaking across North Island skies (opens in new tab)