Latest earthquakes near Waikato, New Zealand today
Complete overview of the latest earthquakes near Waikato, New Zealand, updated every minute. Did you feel an earthquake today in Waikato? If an earthquake is happening right now near Waikato, it will show up within minutes.
Waikato Earthquake Statistics
Average
A total of 558 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above have struck within 300 km (186 mi) of Waikato, New Zealand in the past 10 years. This comes down to a yearly average of 55 earthquakes per year, or 4 per month. On average an earthquake will hit near Waikato roughly every 6 days.
A relatively large number of earthquakes occurred near Waikato in 2020. A total of 82 earthquakes (mag 4+) were detected within 300 km of Waikato that year. The strongest had a 5.6 magnitude.
Magnitude Distribution
The table below visualizes the distribution of all earthquakes that occurred within 300km of Waikato in the past 10 years. No earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or above have occurred near Waikato 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 | 512 | 91.76% |
| Mag. 5 | 45 | 8.06% |
| Mag. 6 | 1 | 0.18% |
| Mag. 7 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 8 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 9 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
Strongest earthquakes near Waikato
The strongest recent earthquake of the past 10 years near Waikato occurred on Oct 30, 2018 15:13 local time (Pacific/Auckland timezone). It had a magnitude of 6.1 and struck 144 kilometers (89 mi) south of Hamilton, at a depth of 226 km. Discover more strong earthquakes near Waikato in the list below.
A longer time ago, a MAG-7.4 earthquake struck on Feb 3, 1931 10:46, 235 kilometers (146 mi) south of Hamilton. It is the strongest earthquake near Waikato 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 Waikato, 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 Waikato.
Earthquakes by city in Waikato
Click the links below for earthquake reports for major places in Waikato, New Zealand.
Use this regional Waikato earthquake report for earthquakes that were felt in smaller towns and cities in the region, including Taupo and Cambridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are commonly asked in relation to earthquakes occurring near Waikato.
When was the last earthquake in Waikato, New Zealand?
A 5 magnitude earthquake hit near Waikato on the morning of January 9, 2026 at 08:29 local time (Pacific/Auckland). The center of this earthquake was located 242km south-southwest of Hamilton at a depth of 115km under water in the Tasman Sea. Check the list on our website for any earthquakes occurring near Waikato, New Zealand in the past hours.
What was the strongest earthquake near Waikato, New Zealand?
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit near Waikato on the morning of February 3, 1931 at 10:46 local time (Pacific/Auckland). The center of this earthquake was located 235km south-southeast of Hamilton at a depth of 35km under land. This is the strongest earthquake that occurred near Waikato since the year 1900.
How often do earthquakes occur near Waikato, New Zealand?
In the past 10 years, 558 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or higher occurred within a 300 kilometer range from Waikato. This averages to 56 earthquakes yearly, or one earthquake every 7 days.
