M4.3 Depth: 24.8 km

M4.3 Earthquake near Wellington (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-05-12 09:02:58 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.3 earthquake was recorded near Wellington (New Zealand) on May 12, 2026 at 09:02 UTC. With a focal depth of about 25 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The event was recorded by USGS.

Details

Magnitude

M4.3

Depth

24.8 km

UTC time

2026-05-12 09:02:58 UTC

Local time

—

Country

New Zealand

State

Wellington

City

Wellington

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-41.49030, 174.56270

Temperature

12.7°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

24.8 km

24.8 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: 247 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'518 m ·Last eruption: 1800 ·New Zealand
Ruapehu

Distance: 260 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'797 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·New Zealand
Tongariro

Distance: 275 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'978 m ·Last eruption: 2012 ·New Zealand
Taupo

Distance: 322 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand
Okataina

Distance: 406 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
Tuhua/Mayor Island

Distance: 490 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 355 m ·Last eruption: -5055 ·New Zealand

Historic earthquake map · New Zealand

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Country overview

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