A tsunami warning has been issued for New Zealand after a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the South Island on July 16, 2026.
The earthquake, initially reported as a 5.6 magnitude with a depth of approximately six miles, was later revised by the German Research Centre for Geosciences to a magnitude of 6.3 at a depth of 33 miles. The tremor was centered about 24 miles north of the town of Te Anau and occurred around 9:15 p.m. local time, which was 10:15 a.m. UK time.
Authorities have instructed people in the affected regions to evacuate to high ground immediately. Residents are advised to stay away from beaches, coastal areas, and rivers, and to remain out of the water, including on boats.
Reports from residents indicate the shaking was felt strongly. A person in Wānaka, located roughly 85 miles northeast of Te Anau, described experiencing a "very strong quake." In Alexandra, about 80 miles east of Te Anau, residents reported hearing a "very loud rumble" followed by "decent shaking."
New Zealand's South Island is situated on the Alpine Fault line, a major geological fault that runs nearly the length of the island. This location contributes to the region experiencing approximately 14,000 earthquakes annually, with about 150 to 200 of these being strong enough to be felt by residents.
The 2011 earthquake in Christchurch remains the deadliest in recent memory, causing 185 fatalities and extensive destruction across the city.