Magnitude 4.8 earthquake shakes central New Zealand
Tuesday 15 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story GeoNet, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck 70km south-west of Waverley at a depth of 82km on Tuesday morning. GeoNet categorised the shaking as weak, though more than 5,000 people reported feeling the quake across the lower North Island and top of the South Island.
Key facts
4 facts
- Magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred at 10.44am on Tuesday
- The quake was 82km deep
- Location was 70km south-west of Waverley
- Over 5000 people reported feeling the shake
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck at 10.44am on Tuesday. The quake occurred at a depth of 82km approximately 70km south-west of Waverley. GeoNet categorised the shaking as weak.
More than 5000 people reported feeling the tremor within five minutes of the event. Shaking was felt as far north as New Plymouth and as far south as Kaikōura. The quake was felt across central New Zealand.
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence described the event as a "short and sharp jolt". They advised that if an earthquake occurs, people should drop, cover and hold.
GeoNet stated the earthquake was widely felt because of the subducting tectonic plate under the North Island. The quake took place in the Tasman Sea.
Where reports differ
- One report specifies the earthquake occurred in the Tasman Sea, while others describe it as being around Waverley
Compiled from reports by 1News, Stuff and NZ Herald.