Morning West Coasters,
Please see Met Service have issued a wave warning for this weekend. All coastal areas North of Hokitika are in the warning area. Please plan accordingly and take care if interacting with our coastal areas.

Message #4 Issued 23:26 16 July 2026

Message No: 3

Issued 22:01 16 July 2026

This message is current and replaces all/any previous messages for this event.

UPDATE: This advisory represents a DOWNGRADE from WARNING. The reason for this downgrade is because the magnitude of the earthquake has been revised down to M5.9

NATIONAL ADVISORY: TSUNAMI ACTIVITY – EXPECT STRONG AND UNUSUAL CURRENTS AND UNPREDICTABLE SURGES AT THE SHORE
We expect New Zealand coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 5.9 earthquake near 40 km north of Te Anau at 2026-07-16 09:14 PM.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.

People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.

AREAS UNDER THREAT:
The West Coast of the South Island from MILFORD SOUND to PUYSEGUR POINT.

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN AREAS UNDER THREAT:
STAY OFF THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS

People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.

There is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities. Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected as a result of this event. We are advising people to:

Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.

Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges.

Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.

Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.

Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this Advisory is cancelled.

This National Advisory has been issued following an assessment of information available. The situation may change as new information becomes available. Listen to the radio or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nz

END OF MESSAGE

Thursday 16 Jul - last updated 9:38 pm

A Tsunami Warning has been issued following the magnitude 6.3 earthquake near Fiordland.

Go to NZ Civil Defence for the most up to date information.

National Warning: Tsunami Threat. Immediate evacuation required.
Thursday 16 Jul - last updated 9:38 pm
A Tsunami Warning has been issued following the M6.3 earthquake near 40 km north of Te Anau.

AREAS UNDER THREAT: Land inundation is likely in the following areas. People near the coast in the following areas must move immediately to the nearest high ground, out of tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible:

The West Coast of the South Island from MILFORD SOUND to PUYSEGUR POINT.

The earthquake may not have been felt in some of these areas, but evacuation should be immediate as a damaging tsunami is possible.

Listen to local Civil Defence authorities and follow any instructions regarding evacuation of your area. If you are told to evacuate do not stay at home.

Do not return until an official all-clear message is given by Civil Defence.

Walk, run or cycle if at all possible to reduce the chances of getting stuck in traffic congestion.

The first wave may not be the largest. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat is real until this warning is cancelled.

People in all other areas who felt a LONG or STRONG earthquake that makes it hard to stand up, or lasted longer than a minute, should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, out of tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible. DO NOT STAY AT HOME.

The National Emergency Management Agency and ESNZ Science will continue to assess the threat and will provide a threat map for all areas as soon as possible.

People in all New Zealand coastal areas should:

Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, and NZCivilDefence Twitter
Listen to local Civil Defence authorities
Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, this includes boats)
Stay off beaches and shore areas
Do not go sightseeing
Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

Go to NZ Civil Defence Website for the most up to date information
https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

Heading away for the last week of school holidays? 🚗
Before you hit the road:
✅ Check weather forecasts
✅ Pack warm clothing
✅ Carry a phone charger
✅ Let someone know your travel plans
✅ Keep water and snacks in your vehicle
A little preparation can help keep your journey both safe, and enjoyable!