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M3.0 Depth: 16.9 km

M3.0 Earthquake near Tararua District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-01-29 23:08:13 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On January 29, 2026 at 23:08 UTC, a magnitude M3.0 earthquake occurred near Tararua District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand). The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 17 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this magnitude are often felt but rarely cause damage.

The data is provided by EMSC and cross-checked across seismological networks.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 16.9 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 16.9 km
Shallow
16.9 km
16.9 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: 149 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'797 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·New Zealand
  • Tongariro
    Distance: 162 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'978 m ·Last eruption: 2012 ·New Zealand
  • Taupo
    Distance: 201 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand
  • Taranaki
    Distance: 218 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'518 m ·Last eruption: 1800 ·New Zealand
  • Okataina
    Distance: 273 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
  • Whakaari/White Island
    Distance: 356 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 294 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·New Zealand

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