M 7-7.5, Cape Farewell, October 19 1868

This earthquake caused damage to houses and roads around the Farewell Spit area.

• Location: Cape Farewell
• Date (NZ Local Time): Monday, October 19 1868 at 12:35 am
• Epicentre: 40.3°S, 172.9°E
• Focal Depth: 25 km
• Maximum Intensity: MM 8 - 9
• Magnitude: M_L 7 - 7.5

This earthquake was located to the north of Farewell Spit. From the Collingwood, Pakawau and Farewell Spit area there were reports of conspicuous and extensive ground cracking as well as damage to houses. A contemporary description of surface ruptures and slips in the area may implicate the Wakamarama Fault in this quake and also describes over one hundred events over the next ten days, at least one of which toppled chimneys previously damaged. At least ten of the aftershocks were also distinctly felt in Hokitika, Nelson, Wellington, Wanganui and New Plymouth¹.

¹Anderson, H.; Beanland, S.; Blick, G.; Darby, D.; Downes, G.; Haines, J.; Jackson, J.; Robinson, R.; Webb, T. 1994. New Zealand journal of geology and geophysics, 37(1): 59-86