We take a closer look at the earthquake doublet that occurred on Wednesday, and what we have learned since then.

The general decline in gas emission observed since December 2024 at Whakaari/White Island has continued over the past two months. No eruptive activity has been observed since March, and the overall level of volcanic activity remains unchanged. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code at Yellow.

Two shallow earthquakes, M5.5 at 6.13pm and M5.6 at 6.57pm, occurred in Southland tonight in the Red Mountain area 35 – 40 kilometres north-east of Milford Sound.

Last week we announced the beginning of a three-phase transformation to our website. Today we are pleased to reveal phase one, our beta website, is now live.

The website geonet.org.nz that we all know and love, first appeared on the internet on May 20, 2002. This year we are excited to announce the beginning of a three-phase transformation to our website.

Have you felt an earthquake recently? When the earth shook on 25 July 2026, thousands of people completed felt reports through our website and app. Hundreds also went a step further, contributing to earthquake research by providing more detailed insights into what they experienced and the actions they took to keep themselves safe.

Since the last Volcanic Activity Bulletin on 3 August, volcanic tremor at Mt Ruapehu has decreased from moderate to weak levels. There has been minimal change in measured gas emissions as well as the temperature of Te Wai ā-moe (Ruapehu Crater Lake). Volcanic activity remains within the range typical for minor unrest. The Volcanic Alert Level therefore remains at Level 1.

After a week of widely felt earthquakes across Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s understandable that people are asking what’s going on. The short answer: earthquakes are a regular part of life here, and the numbers so far this year are tracking close to normal. Read below for more information on these quakes and answers to frequently asked questions.

During the last two weeks, volcanic tremor at Mt Ruapehu has gradually increased from weak to moderate levels. There has been minimal change in temperatures of Te Wai ā-moe (Ruapehu Crater Lake). Volcanic gas emissions continue in low-to-moderate amounts. Volcanic activity remains within the range typical for minor unrest. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1; the Aviation Colour Code remains Green.

A M5.9 earthquake has occurred 5 km south of Taumarunui at 4.51am this morning, 25 July 2026.