Latest earthquakes near Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand today
Complete overview of the latest earthquakes near Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand, updated every minute. Did you feel an earthquake today in Manawatu-Wanganui? If an earthquake is happening right now near Manawatu-Wanganui, it will show up within minutes.
Recent Manawatu-Wanganui Earthquake News
These are the latest articles published related to earthquakes occurring near Manawatu-Wanganui. Check our Earthquake News section for a complete overview of articles written on earthquakes near Manawatu-Wanganui and elsewhere.
May 3, 2026 09:19AM
Significant M5.1 Earthquake hit in the South Pacific Ocean 188km from Tauranga (New Zealand) on Sunday Morning.
Manawatu-Wanganui Earthquake Statistics
Average
A total of 861 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above have struck within 300 km (186 mi) of Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand in the past 10 years. This comes down to a yearly average of 86 earthquakes per year, or 7 per month. On average an earthquake will hit near Manawatu-Wanganui roughly every 4 days.
A relatively large number of earthquakes occurred near Manawatu-Wanganui in 2016. A total of 329 earthquakes (mag 4+) were detected within 300 km of Manawatu-Wanganui that year. The strongest had a 6.5 magnitude.
Magnitude Distribution
The table below visualizes the distribution of all earthquakes that occurred within 300km of Manawatu-Wanganui in the past 10 years. No earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or above have occurred near Manawatu-Wanganui during this time. Usually, higher magnitudes are less common than lower magnitudes. Small earthquakes with a magnitude below 4 on the Richter scale have been omitted from this overview.
| Magnitude | Earthquakes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Mag. 4 | 794 | 92.22% |
| Mag. 5 | 63 | 7.32% |
| Mag. 6 | 4 | 0.46% |
| Mag. 7 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 8 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 9 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
Strongest earthquakes near Manawatu-Wanganui
The strongest recent earthquake of the past 10 years near Manawatu-Wanganui occurred on Nov 14, 2016 00:32 local time (Pacific/Auckland timezone). It had a magnitude of 6.5 and struck 272 kilometers (169 mi) south-west of Palmerston North, at a depth of 10 km. Discover more strong earthquakes near Manawatu-Wanganui in the list below.
A longer time ago, a MAG-7.4 earthquake struck on Feb 3, 1931 10:46, 91 kilometers (57 mi) south-west of Palmerston North. It is the strongest earthquake near Manawatu-Wanganui in the past 126 years (Our data goes back to January 1st, 1900).
In the table below you will find the strongest earthquakes that occurred near Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand in the past 10 years. You can use the tabs to find the heaviest historic earthquakes since the year 1900 or within a specific year or distance from Manawatu-Wanganui.
Earthquakes by city in Manawatu-Wanganui
Click the links below for earthquake reports for major places in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand.
Use this regional Manawatu-Wanganui earthquake report for earthquakes that were felt in smaller towns and cities in the region, including Whanganui, Levin and Linton Military Camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are commonly asked in relation to earthquakes occurring near Manawatu-Wanganui.
When was the last earthquake in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand?
A 3.6 magnitude earthquake hit near Manawatu-Wanganui on the morning of May 19, 2026 at 09:26 local time (Pacific/Auckland). The center of this earthquake was located 236km north of Palmerston North at a depth of 173km under land. Check the list on our website for any earthquakes occurring near Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand in the past hours.
What was the strongest earthquake near Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand?
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit near Manawatu-Wanganui on the morning of February 3, 1931 at 10:46 local time (Pacific/Auckland). The center of this earthquake was located 91km north-east of Palmerston North at a depth of 35km under land. This is the strongest earthquake that occurred near Manawatu-Wanganui since the year 1900.
How often do earthquakes occur near Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand?
In the past 10 years, 861 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or higher occurred within a 300 kilometer range from Manawatu-Wanganui. This averages to 86 earthquakes yearly, or one earthquake every 4 days.
