Earthquakes in New Zealand — September 2026
2 earthquakes were recorded in New Zealand during September 2026, an average of 0.1 per day.
2 reached magnitude 4 or above and 2 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 10 km.
The month's largest event in New Zealand was a magnitude 5.3 earthquake near Arthurs Point, New Zealand on 02 September 2026 at 06:13 UTC. A magnitude 5.3 earthquake radiates roughly 1,344 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 9 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 2 in the magnitude 5 range.
Activity peaked on 02 September, when 2 events were recorded.
The month's largest events were M5.3 near Arthurs Point, New Zealand on 02 September at 10 km; M5.2 near Arthurs Point, New Zealand on 02 September at 10 km.
That is 77% below the 9 events New Zealand averages per month across the 22 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in New Zealand, September 2026
2 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 | Arthurs Point, New Zealand | 10.0 | New Zealand | View details View | |
| 5.2 | Arthurs Point, New Zealand | 10.0 | New Zealand | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit New Zealand in September 2026?
2 earthquakes were recorded in New Zealand during September 2026, of which 2 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in New Zealand in September 2026?
A magnitude 5.3 event near Arthurs Point, New Zealand on 02 September 2026.
Other months in New Zealand
Magnitudes for September 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.