M4.0 Depth: 21.0 km

M4.0 Earthquake near Wellington (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-05-12 09:02:57 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On May 12, 2026 at 09:02 UTC, a magnitude M4.0 earthquake occurred near Wellington (New Zealand). With a focal depth of about 21 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude are clearly felt; minor damage to vulnerable buildings is possible.

The event was recorded by EMSC.

Details

Magnitude

M4.0

Depth

21.0 km

UTC time

2026-05-12 09:02:57 UTC

Local time

—

Country

New Zealand

State

Wellington

City

Wellington

Source

emsc

Coordinates

-41.37700, 174.49930

Temperature

12.7°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

21 km

21 km — shallower than the regional average (70.3 km)

Regional average: 70.3 km

Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

Taranaki

Distance: 234 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'518 m ·Last eruption: 1800 ·New Zealand
Ruapehu

Distance: 250 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'797 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·New Zealand
Tongariro

Distance: 265 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'978 m ·Last eruption: 2012 ·New Zealand
Taupo

Distance: 312 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand
Okataina

Distance: 397 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
Tuhua/Mayor Island

Distance: 480 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 355 m ·Last eruption: -5055 ·New Zealand

Historic earthquake map · New Zealand

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Country statistics · New Zealand

Country overview

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