M3.6 Depth: 173.4 km

M3.6 Earthquake near Tokoroa, Waikato (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-05-18 21:26:18 UTC Local time:

About this earthquake

On May 18, 2026 at 21:26 UTC, a magnitude M3.6 earthquake occurred near Tokoroa, Waikato (New Zealand). The earthquake originated at an intermediate depth of about 173 km. Shaking of this size is frequently noticed but usually harmless.

The event was recorded by EMSC. New Zealand: over the past 24 hours, QuakeMap24 logged 3 earthquakes, the strongest at M3.2.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 173.4 km (Intermediate) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 173.4 km
Intermediate
173.4 km
173.4 km — deeper than the regional average (70 km)
Regional average: 70 km
Why depth matters

Intermediate-depth quakes are felt across a wider area but usually cause less surface damage.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

  • Okataina
    Distance: 58 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
  • Taupo
    Distance: 60 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand
  • Tongariro
    Distance: 104 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'978 m ·Last eruption: 2012 ·New Zealand
  • Tuhua/Mayor Island
    Distance: 112 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 355 m ·Last eruption: -5055 ·New Zealand
  • Ruapehu
    Distance: 118 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'797 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·New Zealand
  • Whakaari/White Island
    Distance: 142 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 294 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·New Zealand

Historic earthquake map · New Zealand

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

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

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