M1.2 Depth: 43.8 km

M1.2 Earthquake near Rangitīkei District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-03-24 08:12:00 UTC Local time:

About this earthquake

A magnitude M1.2 earthquake was recorded near Rangitīkei District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand) on March 24, 2026 at 08:12 UTC. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 44 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this small magnitude are usually barely noticeable and cause no damage.

The event was recorded by EMSC. New Zealand: 4 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M3.6.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 43.8 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 43.8 km
Shallow
43.8 km
43.8 km — shallower than the regional average (70.1 km)
Regional average: 70.1 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

  • Tongariro
    Distance: 41 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'978 m ·Last eruption: 2012 ·New Zealand
  • Ruapehu
    Distance: 45 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'797 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·New Zealand
  • Taupo
    Distance: 55 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand
  • Okataina
    Distance: 127 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
  • Taranaki
    Distance: 174 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'518 m ·Last eruption: 1800 ·New Zealand
  • Whakaari/White Island
    Distance: 215 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.

Share