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.
Update on Ruapehu: Increase in volcanic tremor but no other changes observed. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.
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.
Shallow earthquake shakes North Island
A M5.9 earthquake has occurred 5 km south of Taumarunui at 4.51am this morning, 25 July 2026.
Technicians from our Remote Infrastructure Team worked together with specialist rope access and dive contractors last month to replace the tsunami gauge sensors on New Brighton pier in Christchurch.
Strong quake shakes South Island
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake with strong shaking occurred on 16 July at 9:14 PM, 40km north of Te Anau. The earthquake was about 50km deep and felt widely throughout the South Island.
Steam and gas emissions continue at Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.
Based on recent observations from webcam images, a gas flight, and satellite imagery, activity at Whakaari/White Island continues with steam and gas emissions. Activity has been consistent over the past 2 months, with no eruptive activity. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code at Yellow.
Citizen science and GeoNet data
Welcome, haere mai to another GeoNet Data Blog. Today’s blog talks about citizen science and how GeoNet works in that area.
Update on Ruapehu: Slight increase in heat flow and gas output, continued small earthquakes beneath summit. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.
Since the last update in late April, Mt Ruapehu has continued to show low-level unrest, characterised by persistent small earthquakes beneath the summit area, minor fluctuations in Te Wai ā-moe (Ruapehu Crater Lake) temperature, and variable but generally low-to-moderate gas emissions. Volcanic activity remains within the range typical for minor unrest. The Volcanic Alert Level therefore remains at Level 1.
Whakaari/White Island has been erupting on and off since May 2024, so we thought we’d take a deeper dive into recent activity and summarise the info we’ve provided in our Volcanic Activity Bulletins.
Data access mechanisms
Welcome, haere mai to another GeoNet Data Blog. Today’s blog talks about some of our data access mechanisms.