M3.2 Depth: 27.3 km

M3.2 Earthquake near Tararua District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-08-22 17:45:51 UTC Local time:

About this earthquake

A magnitude M3.2 earthquake was recorded near Tararua District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand) on August 22, 2026 at 17:45 UTC. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 27 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Shaking of this size is frequently noticed but usually harmless.

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

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 27.3 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 27.3 km
Shallow
27.3 km
27.3 km — shallower than the regional average (70.5 km)
Regional average: 70.5 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: 163 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'797 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·New Zealand
  • Tongariro
    Distance: 175 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'978 m ·Last eruption: 2012 ·New Zealand
  • Taupo
    Distance: 215 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand
  • Taranaki
    Distance: 225 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'518 m ·Last eruption: 1800 ·New Zealand
  • Okataina
    Distance: 288 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
  • Whakaari/White Island
    Distance: 370 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 294 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·New Zealand

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