Document Actions
M 7.1, Arthur's Pass, March 9 1929
This earthquake toppled chimneys and furniture in the Arthur's Pass area.
- Location: Arthur's Pass
- Date (NZ Summer Time): Saturday, March 9 1929 at 10:50 pm
- Epicentre: 42.84°S, 171.83°E
- Focal Depth: 11 km
- Maximum Intensity: MM 9
- Magnitude: MS 7.1
At 10:50 pm local time on March 9 1929, a severe earthquake struck the small, isolated communities of Arthur's Pass and Otira, toppling chimneys and throwing furniture. The earthquake was felt throughout the South Island and as far north as Taranaki and Napier in the North Island. The presence of large historic landslides to the north of Arthur’s Pass suggests that the nearby Kakapo Fault was the likely source for this quake.
