M3.9 Earthquake 36 km NE of Wanaka, New Zealand — April 15, 2026
2026-04-15 19:18:17 UTC (2026-04-15) · approx. 6:18 AM UTC+11 local
On April 15, 2026 at 19:18 UTC, a magnitude 3.9 shallow crustal earthquake struck 36 km NE of Wanaka, New Zealand, at a depth of 14.4 km and coordinates -44.4445°, 169.4314°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 3.9 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 11 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 296 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
169.4314°E
Technical Information
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 3.9 earthquake near Wanaka, New Zealand?
The magnitude 3.9 earthquake that struck 36 km NE of Wanaka, New Zealand on April 15, 2026 at 19:18 UTC had a depth of 14.4 km. For context, this was a minor earthquake typically detected only by instruments.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 3.9 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 3.9 earthquakes are typically only recorded by instruments.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000sqea). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, April 15, 2026). M3.9 Earthquake 36 km NE of Wanaka, New Zealand — April 15, 2026. Retrieved June 24, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000sqea/