Strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake strikes near New Plymouth
Saturday 3 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story GeoNet
A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred at 2.57am near New Plymouth, 25km east of the city. More than 7,000 people reported feeling the tremor, which occurred at a depth of 11km. Three aftershocks have been recorded following the initial quake.
Key facts
4 facts
- Magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck 25km east of New Plymouth at 2:57am on 2 October 2026
- The earthquake occurred at a depth of 11km
- More than 7,300 people reported feeling the quake
- Three aftershocks were recorded with magnitudes of 3.2, 1.8, and 1.9
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck 25km east of New Plymouth at 2:57am on Saturday. The tremor occurred at a depth of 11km and was felt by more than 7,300 people. Shaking was reported across the Taranaki region and as far north as Auckland and Waihi.
Three aftershocks measuring magnitudes 3.2, 1.8, and 1.9 were recorded after 3am. The 3.2 magnitude aftershock occurred two minutes after the main event and was initially part of the main quake's waveform. An acoustic station on the western side of Taranaki Maunga also detected the loud rumbling reported by residents.
Seismic experts from Earth Sciences New Zealand stated there is no clear link between this earthquake and volcanic activity at Taranaki Maunga. The event was located far to the east of the volcano in an area consistent with tectonic activity.
Residents reported various effects, including items falling from shelves and loud rumbling sounds. Fire and Emergency New Zealand confirmed that no emergency calls related to the earthquake were received.
How it developed
- Sat 3 Oct, 4:26amThe second report identified three specific aftershocks and noted that an acoustic station recorded the loud rumbling reported by residents.
Where reports differ
- Reports vary slightly on the timing of the quake, with one citing 2:57am and others stating it was around 3am.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff and 1News.
