M3.4 Depth: 28.1 km

M3.4 Earthquake near Bay of Plenty (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-08-31 06:42:54 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M3.4 earthquake was recorded near Bay of Plenty (New Zealand) on August 31, 2026 at 06:42 UTC. With a focal depth of about 28 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: 9 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M3.5.

Details

Magnitude

M3.4

Depth

28.1 km

UTC time

2026-08-31 06:42:54 UTC

Local time

—

Country

New Zealand

State

Bay of Plenty

City

Bay of Plenty

Source

emsc

Coordinates

-37.81810, 177.53980

Temperature

12.6°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

28.1 km

28.1 km — shallower than the regional average (69.3 km)

Regional average: 69.3 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

Whakaari/White Island

Distance: 46 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 294 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·New Zealand
Okataina

Distance: 98 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
Tuhua/Mayor Island

Distance: 128 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 355 m ·Last eruption: -5055 ·New Zealand
Clark

Distance: 155 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -860 m ·New Zealand
Tangaroa

Distance: 172 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -600 m ·New Zealand
Taupo

Distance: 179 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand

Historic earthquake map · New Zealand

Open history map

Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · New Zealand

Country overview

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

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

610

Country (24h)