Earthquakes in New Zealand — February 2025
4 earthquakes were recorded in New Zealand during February 2025, an average of 0.1 per day.
4 reached magnitude 4 or above and 0 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 47 km.
The month's largest event in New Zealand was a magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Hicks Bay, New Zealand on 05 February 2025 at 03:09 UTC. A magnitude 4.9 earthquake radiates roughly 338 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
That is below the New Zealand monthly average of 9 events over the period we cover — a comparatively quiet month, and down from the 10 recorded the previous month.
50% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 50% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). A substantial share of intermediate-depth events points to a subducting slab beneath the region rather than purely crustal faulting.
By band, the catalogue holds 4 in the magnitude 4 range.
The month's largest events were M4.9 near Hicks Bay, New Zealand on 05 February at 10 km; M4.7 near Houghton Bay, New Zealand on 01 February at 10 km; M4.7 near Hicks Bay, New Zealand on 27 February at 94 km.
That is 56% below the 9 events New Zealand averages per month across the 21 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in New Zealand, February 2025
4 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 | Hicks Bay, New Zealand | 10.0 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.7 | Hicks Bay, New Zealand | 93.9 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.7 | Houghton Bay, New Zealand | 10.0 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Whanganui, New Zealand | 73.8 | New Zealand | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit New Zealand in February 2025?
4 earthquakes were recorded in New Zealand during February 2025, of which 4 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in New Zealand in February 2025?
A magnitude 4.9 event near Hicks Bay, New Zealand on 05 February 2025.
Other months in New Zealand
Magnitudes for February 2025 reflect the current USGS review status and may have been revised since first publication. See our guides on the magnitude scale, focal depth and why earthquakes cluster.