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M3.1 Depth: 19.4 km

M3.1 Earthquake near Tararua District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-01-12 02:13:46 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On January 12, 2026 at 02:13 UTC, a magnitude M3.1 earthquake occurred near Tararua District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand). With a focal depth of about 19 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Shaking of this size is frequently noticed but usually harmless.

The data is provided by EMSC and cross-checked across seismological networks. New Zealand: 3 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M3.2.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 19.4 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 19.4 km
Shallow
19.4 km
19.4 km — shallower than the regional average (70 km)
Regional average: 70 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

  • Ruapehu
    Distance: 143 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'797 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·New Zealand
  • Tongariro
    Distance: 156 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'978 m ·Last eruption: 2012 ·New Zealand
  • Taupo
    Distance: 196 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand
  • Taranaki
    Distance: 209 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'518 m ·Last eruption: 1800 ·New Zealand
  • Okataina
    Distance: 270 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
  • Whakaari/White Island
    Distance: 353 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 294 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·New Zealand

Historic earthquake map · New Zealand

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Country statistics · New Zealand

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View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

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