Earthquakes in New Zealand — December 2025
4 earthquakes were recorded in New Zealand during December 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 27 km.
The month's largest event in New Zealand was a magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Castlepoint, New Zealand on 25 December 2025 at 18:16 UTC. A magnitude 4.5 earthquake radiates roughly 85 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 7 recorded the previous month.
100% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 0% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). Almost everything here is crustal. That is characteristic of transform faulting or continental deformation rather than subduction — and it means shaking at the surface is strong for the magnitudes involved.
By band, the catalogue holds 4 in the magnitude 4 range.
Activity peaked on 03 December, when 2 events were recorded.
The month's largest events were M4.5 near Castlepoint, New Zealand on 25 December at 25 km; M4.5 near Castlepoint, New Zealand on 03 December at 28 km; M4.2 near Castlepoint, New Zealand on 03 December at 20 km.
That is 56% below the 9 events New Zealand averages per month across the 21 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in New Zealand, December 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | Castlepoint, New Zealand | 25.2 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Castlepoint, New Zealand | 27.5 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.2 | Castlepoint, New Zealand | 20.4 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.0 | Mangatainoka, New Zealand | 34.6 | New Zealand | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit New Zealand in December 2025?
4 earthquakes were recorded in New Zealand during December 2025, of which 4 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in New Zealand in December 2025?
A magnitude 4.5 event near Castlepoint, New Zealand on 25 December 2025.
Other months in New Zealand
Magnitudes for December 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.