M4.5 Earthquake 132 km SSE of Wainui, New Zealand — May 17, 2026
2026-05-17 03:20:37 UTC (58 min ago) · approx. 3:20 PM UTC+12 local
On May 17, 2026 at 03:20 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 shallow crustal earthquake struck 132 km SSE of Wainui, New Zealand, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -39.6956°, 178.8910°. This earthquake was detected by 31 seismic stations with moderate location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 85 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 767 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
The epicenter is located in New Zealand, a region characterized by the Hikurangi subduction zone in the North Island and the Alpine Fault in the South Island. The nearest mapped fault system is the Alpine Fault. View all earthquakes in New Zealand.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
178.8910°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Wainui, New Zealand?
The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck 132 km SSE of Wainui, New Zealand on May 17, 2026 at 03:20 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -39.6956°, 178.8910°, which is 132 km SSE of Wainui, New Zealand. View all earthquakes in New Zealand.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.5 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Has New Zealand had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in New Zealand was the M8.2 Wairarapa earthquake of January 23, 1855. Today's magnitude 4.5 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.
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.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000sybb). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 17, 2026). M4.5 Earthquake 132 km SSE of Wainui, New Zealand — May 17, 2026. Retrieved May 17, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000sybb/