After a major earthquake in New Zealand, the ground keeps moving: aftershocks are smaller quakes triggered as the crust adjusts around the fault that ruptured. They are most frequent right after the mainshock and taper off over days to months. This page tracks recent seismic activity across New Zealand live, so you can follow an aftershock sequence as it happens. For instant alerts the moment a new aftershock strikes near you, the free QuakeMate earthquake alert app sends real-time push notifications.
Recent earthquakes in New Zealand
- 3.4SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND3 hours ago
- 4.1121 km NNW of Hicks Bay, New Zealand8 hours ago
- 3.0COOK STRAIT, NEW ZEALAND11 hours ago
- 3.4SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS20 hours ago
- 3.4NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND21 hours ago
- 3.1SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND1 day ago
- 3.1SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND2 days ago
- 3.0NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND3 days ago
- 3.8NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND5 days ago
- 4.1SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND5 days ago
- 3.6COOK STRAIT, NEW ZEALAND6 days ago
- 4.163 km W of Flaxmere, New Zealand6 days ago
Aftershocks in New Zealand - FAQ
Are there aftershocks in New Zealand right now?
Yes. 5 earthquakes have been recorded in New Zealand in the last 24 hours. The live feed above lists each one as it is detected, so you can watch an aftershock sequence unfold in real time.
How long do aftershocks last after a big earthquake in New Zealand?
Aftershocks are most frequent in the hours and days right after the mainshock and taper off over time, but a large earthquake can produce aftershocks for months. Their number and size follow well-known patterns (Omori and Bath laws), so activity gradually declines even though individual aftershocks can still be strongly felt.
Can I get an alert for the next aftershock in New Zealand?
Yes. Turn on browser notifications above to get a heads-up when a new quake is detected near New Zealand, or install the free QuakeMate app for wake-you-up critical alerts with custom magnitude and region rules.