Earthquakes in New Zealand — April 2026
5 earthquakes were recorded in New Zealand during April 2026, an average of 0.2 per day.
5 reached magnitude 4 or above and 1 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 67 km.
The month's largest event in New Zealand was a magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Hicks Bay, New Zealand on 04 April 2026 at 08:12 UTC. A magnitude 5.0 earthquake radiates roughly 477 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.
60% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 40% 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, 1 in the magnitude 5 range.
The month's largest events were M5.0 near Hicks Bay, New Zealand on 04 April at 10 km; M4.9 near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand on 25 April at 74 km; M4.9 near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand on 10 April at 46 km.
That is 45% below the 9 events New Zealand averages per month across the 21 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in New Zealand, April 2026
5 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | Hicks Bay, New Zealand | 10.0 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.9 | Kermadec Islands, New Zealand | 73.7 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.9 | Kermadec Islands, New Zealand | 136.2 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.9 | Kermadec Islands, New Zealand | 46.1 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 4.2 | Raumati Beach, New Zealand | 68.8 | New Zealand | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit New Zealand in April 2026?
5 earthquakes were recorded in New Zealand during April 2026, of which 5 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in New Zealand in April 2026?
A magnitude 5.0 event near Hicks Bay, New Zealand on 04 April 2026.
Other months in New Zealand
Magnitudes for April 2026 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.