A magnitude 5.6 earthquake was recorded 35 km north-east of Milford Sound, New Zealand on Sep 2, 2026, 6:57:11 AM (2026-09-02T06:57:11.231Z). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 5.0 km with coordinates -44.4490, 168.3039.
M5.6 · 5.0 km deep · 361 km WSW of Christchurch, New Zealand
Magnitude 5.6 was reported for this earthquake.
Reported depth: 5.0 km (shallow, 0–70 km).
The epicentre was 361 km WSW of Christchurch, New Zealand.
USGS significance score: 482. USGS calculates this number from magnitude, maximum intensity, felt reports and estimated impact; it is not a risk rating.
No felt reports or intensity data have been published for this event.
General information: magnitude measures the energy released at the source on a logarithmic scale — each whole number is roughly 32 times more energy. Depth is how far below the surface the rupture began. Whether an earthquake is felt, and how strongly, depends on many factors and is best shown by felt reports and intensity data.
The epicentre was located at -44.4490 latitude and 168.3039 longitude, 35 km north-east of Milford Sound, New Zealand. The earthquake was shallow at 5.0 km depth.
More earthquakes in New Zealand
Data source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program event page. Earthquake data is collected from multiple seismic agencies, including the USGS, GeoNet, BMKG and the British Geological Survey (BGS).
Data source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. Enable JavaScript for the live interactive map.