A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near Te Anau in New Zealand’s South Island, shaking buildings and briefly triggering a tsunami alert. Authorities later cancelled the warning after assessing the situation. No immediate reports of injuries or major damage were received.
According to New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency, the earthquake’s epicentre was located about 40 kilometres north of Te Anau. The agency initially recorded the quake at magnitude 6.3 before revising it down to 5.9. The tremor struck at 9:14pm local time.
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Although the tsunami alert was lifted, officials warned coastal communities about possible strong currents and unusual sea activity. Residents were advised to stay away from beaches, harbours, marinas, and rivers as a precaution. Authorities continued monitoring conditions after the earthquake.
A late night shake for much of the South Island and parts of the North Island with a M6.3 quake. We received over 20,000 felt reports: https://t.co/NYykoT1TXP
Remember to Drop, Cover and Hold if you feel shaking, and know your tsunami evacuation route if you live near the coast. pic.twitter.com/ZTcmCRLYke— GeoNet (@geonet) July 16, 2026
Residents in Te Anau reported strong shaking during the quake. A hotel manager described the tremor as intense and lasting around one minute, while another resident said the movement sounded like a train and caused walls to shake.
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More than 18,000 people submitted reports to GeoNet, New Zealand’s hazard monitoring system. Officials said they would continue assessing the impact of the earthquake. The affected area is near Fiordland, a popular tourist destination known for its natural landscapes.