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Historic Earthquakes Gallery

A collection of images from New Zealand's large historic earthquakes

Marlborough Earthquake, 1848



[Park, Robert] 1812-1870. Attributed works: [Sketches showing the damage to buildings sustained in the 1848 Wellington earthquake] 1848
Reference Number: PUBL-0050-01Part of An account of the earthquakes in New Zealand. Extracted from the New South Wales sporting and literary magazine and racing calendar. (Sydney, Printed by D. Wall, 1848) (PUBL-0050)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageWairarapa Earthquake, 1855

The raised platforms at Turakirae head mark old shorelines, visible as pale brown lines. The first line in from the present day coast is where the shoreline was in 1855, before the area was uplifted by the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake.GNS Science

The raised platforms at Turakirae head mark old shorelines, visible as pale brown lines. The first line in from the present day coast is where the shoreline was in 1855, before the area was uplifted by the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake.

GNS Science Wairarapa Earthquake, 1855

[Gold, Charles Emilius] 1809-1871 :Landslip caused by earthquake near Wellington N. Zealand Jan 1855Reference number: B-103-016Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

[Gold, Charles Emilius] 1809-1871: Landslip caused by earthquake near Wellington N. Zealand Jan 1855
Reference Number: B-103-016

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageWairarapa Earthquake, 1855

The large landslide shown in C. E. Gold’s painting is still visible on the Hutt Road today. Now covered in vegetation, the slip is distinguished by its slope, which is shallower than the surrounding hills.GNS Science

The large landslide shown in C. E. Gold’s painting is still visible on the Hutt Road today. Now covered in vegetation, the slip is distinguished by its slope, which is shallower than the surrounding hills.

GNS ScienceWairarapa Earthquake, 1855

Lambton Quay, Wellington, looking south from Brandon's Corner 1860Reference No. 1/2-003924-GPart of Denton, Frank J, 1869-1963 :Collection of negatives, prints and albums (PAColl-3043)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Lambton Quay, Wellington, looking south from Brandon's Corner 1860
Reference Number: 1/2-003924-G
Part of Denton, Frank J, 1869-1963: Collection of negatives, prints and albums (PAColl-3043)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageNorth Canterbury Earthquake, 1888

This surveyor stands at a fence that crosses the Hope Fault near Glynn Wye Station. The fence, originally straight, has been kinked to the right by the sideways movement of the land in the 1888 earthquake.GNS Science

This surveyor stands at a fence that crosses the Hope Fault near Glynn Wye Station. The fence, originally straight, has been kinked to the right by the sideways movement of the land in the 1888 earthquake.

GNS ScienceNorth Canterbury Earthquake, 1888

Although most of the movement on the Hope Fault was horizontal, some was vertical, raising the land and creating the scarp surface this man now leans against.GNS Science

Although most of the movement on the Hope Fault was horizontal, some was vertical, raising the land and creating the scarp surface this man now leans against.

GNS ScienceNorth Canterbury Earthquake, 1888

The Glynn Wye house above Kakapo Creek. The lower story has been warped, and its collapsed chimney is visible to the right of the cottage.Weekly Press Illustrated Supplement, 14 September 1888

The Glynn Wye house above Kakapo Creek. The lower story has been warped, and its collapsed chimney is visible to the right of the cottage.

Weekly Press Illustrated Supplement, 14 September 1888North Canterbury Earthquake, 1888

Creator unknown: Photograph of crowd outside Christ Church Cathedral with earthquake damage to spire, Christchurch.[after 1 Sep 1888].Reference number: PAColl-7985-72Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Creator unknown: Photograph of crowd outside Christ Church Cathedral with earthquake damage to spire, Christchurch.[after 1 Sep 1888].
Reference Number: PAColl-7985-72

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageMurchison Earthquake, 1929

Earthquake-damaged business premises of H. J. Hodgson & Co. in Murchison. 1929.Reference no. 1/2-026346-GPart of: Jones, Frederick Nelson, 1881-1962 :Negatives of the Nelson district (PAColl-3051)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Earthquake-damaged business premises of H. J. Hodgson & Co. in Murchison. 1929.
Reference Number: 1/2-026346-G
Part of: Jones, Frederick Nelson, 1881-1962: Negatives of the Nelson district (PAColl-3051)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageMurchison Earthquake, 1929

Cracks in a road in Greymouth, after the 1929 Murchison earthquake. 1929.Reference No. 1/2-091674-FPart of West Coast Historical and Mechanical Society : Photographs (PAColl-5376)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Cracks in a road in Greymouth, after the 1929 Murchison earthquake. 1929.
Reference Number: 1/2-091674-F
Part of West Coast Historical and Mechanical Society: Photographs (PAColl-5376)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageMurchison Earthquake, 1929

Nelson College building damaged by the Murchison earthquake. 1929.Reference No. 1/1-012112-GPart of Jones, Frederick Nelson, 1881-1962 :Negatives of the Nelson district (PAColl-3051)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Nelson College building damaged by the Murchison earthquake. 1929.
Reference Number: 1/1-012112-G
Part of Jones, Frederick Nelson, 1881-1962: Negatives of the Nelson district (PAColl-3051)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageMurchison Earthquake, 1929

The force of the earthquake ruptured the ground surface and left these power poles listing heavily.GNS Science

The force of the earthquake ruptured the ground surface and left these power poles listing heavily.

GNS ScienceMurchison Earthquake, 1929

The White Creek Fault scarp, shown cutting across a road in the Buller Gorge. The scarp, visible as a rocky cliff face, is the result of vertical movement on the fault that displaced the road, leaving the side where the geologist stands over 4 metres higher than the rest of the road.GNS Science

The White Creek Fault scarp, shown cutting across a road in the Buller Gorge. The scarp, visible as a rocky cliff face, is the result of vertical movement on the fault that displaced the road, leaving the side where the geologist stands over 4 metres higher than the rest of the road.

GNS ScienceMurchison Earthquake, 1929

The earthquake triggered over 10,000 landslides. One of them, just 5km from Murchison, occurred in the Matakitaki Valley and contained 18 million m3 of sediment. It is still visible in the landscape today.GNS Science

The earthquake triggered over 10,000 landslides. One of them, just 5km from Murchison, occurred in the Matakitaki Valley and contained 18 million m3 of sediment. It is still visible in the landscape today.

GNS ScienceHawke's Bay Earthquake, 1931

Slip at Bluff Hill caused by the Hawke's Bay earthquake.1931.Reference number: PAColl-6945-16Part of Ashcroft, William James Cronshaw, d 1981 :Photographs taken after the Hawke's Bay earthquake (PAColl-6945) Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Slip at Bluff Hill caused by the Hawke's Bay earthquake.1931.
Reference Number: PAColl-6945-16
Part of Ashcroft, William James Cronshaw, d 1981: Photographs taken after the Hawke's Bay earthquake (PAColl-6945)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageHawke's Bay Earthquake, 1931

Severe surface damage left this road almost impassable after the 1931 earthquake. Note the dislodged power poles in the background.

Severe surface damage left this road almost impassable after the 1931 earthquake. Note the dislodged power poles in the background.

GNS ScienceHawke's Bay Earthquake, 1931

Extensive fissuring of the ground surface at Port Ahuriri.

Extensive fissuring of the ground surface at Port Ahuriri.

GNS ScienceHawke's Bay Earthquake, 1931

The charred ruins of Emerson Street buildings that were destroyed by the earthquake and subsequent fire.Christchurch City Libraries, File Reference: CCL PhotoCD 4, IMG0041

The charred ruins of Emerson Street buildings that were destroyed by the earthquake and subsequent fire.

Christchurch City Libraries, File Reference: CCL PhotoCD 4, IMG0041Hawke's Bay Earthquake, 1931

Buildings ruined by the 1931 earthquake, Napier.1931.Reference number: 1/2-048342-FPart of Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972 : Photographs of New Zealand (PAColl-3082)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Buildings ruined by the 1931 earthquake, Napier.1931.
Reference Number: 1/2-048342-F
Part of Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972: Photographs of New Zealand (PAColl-3082)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageHawke's Bay Earthquake, 1931

Port Ahuriri, Napier [ca 1910s]Reference No. 1/2-001383-GPart of Price, William Archer, d 1948 :Collection of post card negatives (PAColl-3057)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Port Ahuriri, Napier, before the earthquake [ca 1910s]
Reference Number: 1/2-001383-G
Part of Price, William Archer, d 1948: Collection of post card negatives (PAColl-3057)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageHawke's Bay Earthquake, 1931

Ahuriri, Napier [193-?]Reference No. 1/2-100000-GPart of New Zealand Free Lance : Photographic prints and negatives (PAColl-0785)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Ahuriri, Napier, after the earthquake [193-?]
Reference Number: 1/2-100000-G
Part of New Zealand Free Lance: Photographic prints and negatives (PAColl-0785)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imagePongaroa Earthquake, 1934

Workers remove debris from Main Street, Pahiatua. The two women in front of the building are Ivy Oates and Irene Oates. Dated March 12 1934.Courtesy of Wairarapa Archive

Workers remove debris from Main Street, Pahiatua. The two women in front of the building are Ivy Oates and Irene Oates.
Dated March 12 1934.

Courtesy of Wairarapa ArchivePongaroa Earthquake, 1934

Queen Street, north of the Lincoln Road intersection, taken from the Post Office tower.Courtesy of Wairarapa Archive

Queen Street, north of the Lincoln Road intersection, taken from the Post Office tower.

Courtesy of Wairarapa ArchivePongaroa Earthquake, 1934

Queen Street, looking south, probably from the top of C.E. Daniell’s hardware shop Courtesy of Wairarapa Archive

Queen Street, looking south, probably from the top of C.E. Daniell’s hardware shop

Courtesy of Wairarapa ArchivePongaroa Earthquake, 1934

The Masterton Opera House in Lincoln Rd. The photo is by Fred Daniell, a Masterton architect. Courtesy of Wairarapa Archive

The Masterton Opera House in Lincoln Rd. The photo is by Fred Daniell, a Masterton architect.

Courtesy of Wairarapa ArchiveWairarapa I Earthquake, 1942

Shop fronts in Masterton, damaged by the 1942 earthquake.25 June 1942.Reference number: 1/2-123912-GPart of Evening Post :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)Part of Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614-1) Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Shop fronts in Masterton, damaged by the 1942 earthquake. 25 June 1942.
Reference Number: 1/2-123912-G
Part of Evening Post: Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)
Part of Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614-1)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageWairarapa I Earthquake, 1942

A soldier stands guard outside the heavily–damaged chemist's shop operated by J.V. Gordon, on the corner of Queen and Bannister Streets.Courtesy of Wairarapa Archive

A soldier stands guard outside the heavily damaged chemist's shop operated by J.V. Gordon, on the corner of Queen and Bannister Streets.

Courtesy of Wairarapa ArchiveWairarapa I Earthquake, 1942

St Matthew's Church, Masterton, after the 1942 earthquake 1942Reference No. PAColl-6301-65Part of Evening Post :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)Part of Evening Post photographs from file print collection, Box 3 (PAColl-6301)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image

St Matthew's Church, Masterton, after the 1942 earthquake. 1942.
Reference Number: PAColl-6301-65
Part of Evening Post: Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)
Part of Evening Post photographs from file print collection, Box 3 (PAColl-6301)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageWairarapa I Earthquake, 1942

Damage to the Waiohine bridge after the 1942 Masterton earthquake 25 June 1942Reference No. 1/2-123915-GPart of Evening Post :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)Part of Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614-1)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Damage to the Waiohine bridge after the 1942 Masterton earthquake. 25 June 1942
Reference Number: 1/2-123915-G
Part of Evening Post: Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)
Part of Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614-1)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageWairarapa I Earthquake, 1942

Masterton shop front, damaged by 1942 earthquake 25 Jun 1942Reference No. 1/2-123914-GPart of Evening Post :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)Part of Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614-1)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image

Masterton shop front, damaged by 1942 earthquake. 25 Jun 1942
Reference Number: 1/2-123914-G
Part of Evening Post: Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)
Part of Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614-1)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageWairarapa II Earthquake, 1942

Brick house damaged by earthquake, Wellington. August 1942Reference No. EP-Science--Earthquakes-1940s-and-1950s-05Part of The Dominion Post :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers (PAColl-7327)Part of Earthquakes in the 1940s and 1950s (EP-Science-Earthquakes 1940s and 1950s)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image

Brick house damaged by earthquake, Wellington. August 1942.
Reference Number: EP-Science-- Earthquakes-1940s-and-1950s- 05
Part of The Dominion Post: Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers (PAColl-7327)
Part of Earthquakes in the 1940s and 1950s (EP-Science-Earthquakes 1940s and 1950s)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageWairarapa II Earthquake, 1942

Remains of the Wairarapa Farmers' Co-operative Association building after the 1942 Masterton earthquake1942Reference No. 1/2-123921-GPart of Evening Post :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)Part of Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614-1)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image

Remains of the Wairarapa Farmers' Co-operative Association building after the 1942 Masterton earthquake. 1942.
Reference Number: 1/2-123921-G
Part of Evening Post: Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614)
Part of Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper (PAColl-0614-1)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageWairarapa II Earthquake, 1942

Earthquake damage, Windsor Hotel, Wellington August 1942Reference No. EP-Science-Earthquakes-1940s-and-1950s-06Part of The Dominion Post :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers (PAColl-7327)Part of Earthquakes in the 1940s and 1950s (EP-Science-Earthquakes 1940s and 1950s)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image

Earthquake damage, Windsor Hotel, Wellington. August 1942.
Reference Number: EP-Science-Earthquakes-1940s- and-1950s-06
Part of The Dominion Post: Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers (PAColl-7327)
Part of Earthquakes in the 1940s and 1950s (EP-Science-Earthquakes 1940s and 1950s)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageInangahua Earthquake, 1968

Geologists measure the vertical movement across this road. The side they are standing on has moved downwards relative to the rest of the road.GNS Science

Geologists measure the vertical movement across this road. The side they are standing on has moved downwards relative to the rest of the road.

GNS ScienceInangahua Earthquake, 1968

The surface of this road gave way when the earthquake caused a mine drainage tunnel to collapse.GNS Science

The surface of this road gave way when the earthquake caused a mine drainage tunnel to collapse.

GNS ScienceInangahua Earthquake, 1968

These railway lines, originally straight, were left buckled after the earthquake, distorted by the intense ground motion.GNS Science

These railway lines, originally straight, were left buckled after the earthquake, distorted by the intense ground motion.

GNS ScienceInangahua Earthquake, 1968

Geologist John Foster stands at the destroyed road over the Reefton Saddle.GNS Science

Geologist John Foster stands at the destroyed road over the Reefton Saddle.

GNS ScienceInangahua Earthquake, 1968

At Whitecliffs, a limestone bluff collapsed, crushing a farmhouse anf killing two people. The material deposited in 1968 is still visible at the base of the bluff, covered in vegetation.Private collection, Simon Nathan

At Whitecliffs, a limestone bluff collapsed, crushing a farmhouse and killing two people. The material deposited in 1968 is still visible at the base of the bluff, covered in vegetation.

Private collection, Simon NathanInangahua Earthquake, 1968

As well as buckling railways lines, the force of the earthquake was enough to derail this train, causing it to topple over.GNS Science

As well as buckling railways lines, the force of the earthquake was enough to derail this train, causing it to topple over.

GNS Science

 

Edgecumbe Earthquake, 1987

A scientist stands in a spectacular rift that opened in a paddock near East Bank Road during the Edgecumbe earthquake.GNS Science

A scientist stands in a spectacular rift that opened in a paddock near East Bank Road during the Edgecumbe earthquake.

GNS ScienceEdgecumbe Earthquake, 1987

These sand boils are some of many that formed near Powell Road, as a result of the extensive liquefaction caused by the earthquake.GNS Science

These sand boils are some of many that formed near Powell Road, as a result of the extensive liquefaction caused by the earthquake.

GNS ScienceEdgecumbe Earthquake, 1987

The earthquake opened a spectacular rift in the landscape, shown here cutting McCracken Road.GNS Science

The earthquake opened a spectacular rift in the landscape, shown here cutting McCracken Road.

GNS ScienceEdgecumbe Earthquake, 1987

The main rift created by the earthquake. The people standing nearby show the scale of the rupture.GNS Science

The main rift created by the earthquake. The people standing nearby show the scale of the rupture.

GNS ScienceEdgecumbe Earthquake, 1987

This cow shed off-ramp on McCracken Road was badly damaged in the earthquake.GNS Science

This cow shed off-ramp on McCracken Road was badly damaged in the earthquake.

GNS Science

Edgecumbe Earthquake, 1987

Railway lines and a locomotive affected by the Edgecumbe earthquake. [ca 3 March1987]ReferenceNo. EP/1987/0990/9 Part of The Dominion Post :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers (PAColl-7327)Part of Railway lines and a locomotive affected by the Edgecumbe earthquake(EP/1987/0990)Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Railway lines and a locomotive affected by the Edgecumbe earthquake. [ca 3 March1987]
Reference Number: EP/1987/0990/9
Part of The Dominion Post: Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers (PAColl-7327)
Part of Railway lines and a locomotive affected by the Edgecumbe earthquake(EP/1987/0990)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this imageEdgecumbe Earthquake, 1987

These railway lines, originally straight, were left buckled after the earthquake, distorted by the intense ground motion.GNS Science

These railway lines, originally straight, were left buckled after the earthquake, distorted by the intense ground motion.

GNS ScienceEdgecumbe Earthquake, 1987

This house on East Bank Road was one of several whose brick chimneys collapsed in the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake.GNS Science

This house on East Bank Road was one of several whose brick chimneys collapsed in the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake.

GNS ScienceEdgecumbe Earthquake, 1987

The damaged builders’ premises at Tawa Street.GNS Science

The damaged builders’ premises at Tawa Street.

GNS Science