Christchurch and surrounding areas have experienced major earthquakes since a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on 4 September 2010. The earthquakes have had a devastating effect on the central city and the people of Christchurch and surrounding areas.
See our pages for kids on the 4 September 2010 and 22 February 2011 earthquakes.
Since the ground shook - An online exhibition of photographs and information about the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and their aftermath from Canterbury Stories
Saturday 4 September 2010
4:35am (NZ time), magnitude 7.1. Centred 40km west of Christchurch. Epicentre near Charing Cross, 10km south-east of Darfield at a depth of 11km.
Widespread damage occured, but no loss of life. Disruption to water, power and sewerage services.
Tuesday 22 February 2011
12:51pm (NZ time), magnitude 6.3. Centred 10km south-east of Christchurch at a depth of 5km.
185 people were killed and there was major damage to Christchurch land, buildings and infrastructure.
Monday 13 June 2011
2:20pm (NZ time), magnitude 6.3. Centred 10km south-east of Christchurch at a depth of 6km. It was preceded at 1pm by a magnitude 5.6 10km east of Christchurch at a depth of 9km.
Further building and land damage from lliquefaction and major rockfalls around the Port Hills.
Friday 23 December 2011
1.58pm (NZ time) there was a magnitude 5.8 earthquake, followed by a 5.3 at 2:06pm and a 6.0 at 3:18pm.
Find out more about the science of earthquakes.
Media coverage
- Stuff.co.nz
- Radio New Zealand
- New Zealand Herald
- PressReader Use at a library or enter your library card and password / PIN.
- Find more newspaper articles in our Papers index
Search our catalogue
Historic earthquakes
Canterbury’s most severe earthquake prior to these occurred on 1 September 1888 about 100km north of Christchurch in the Amuri district. It is recorded as a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, but reached magnitude 9 at its epicentre. Extensive vertical and horizontal ground movement caused considerable damage to buildings and land. The quake badly damaged the spire of the Cathedral as well as buildings throughout Christchurch.
![Some of the destruction by earthquake at Cheviot, North Canterbury, 16 Nov. 1901 : back of McTaggart's butcher/baker shop. [17 Nov. 1901]](https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc5/IMG0067.jpg)
More information
- Information for children on New Zealand earthquakes and landslides.
- Description of an earthquake in the Burke Manuscript from 1850.
- Photographs of New Zealand earthquakes in our collection.