World Map › Major Tsunamis Since 1900 › 1931
Historic Tsunami
1931 New Zealand Tsunami
2 February 1931 · North New Zealand · New Zealand
On 2 February 1931 at 22:46 UTC, a tsunami formed near North New Zealand, New Zealand. It was caused by an earthquake and landslide. Waves reached up to 15.0 m high. It was observed at 5 locations in 2 countries or territories, up to 2,299 km from its source. It killed at least 261 people and injured 400.
- Date
- 2 February 1931
- Time
- 22:46 UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake and landslide
- Earthquake Magnitude
- 7.7
- Highest Wave
- 15.0 m
- Observation Sites
- 5
- Furthest Reach
- 2,299 km
- Deaths
- 261
- Injuries
- 400
- Estimated Damage
- 25 million US dollars
- Source Country
- New Zealand
- Triggering Earthquake
- 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake
Countries and Territories Reached
Number of observations, highest wave and deaths in each country.
- 4New Zealand · 15.0 m
- 1Australia · 0.2 m
Highest Waves
- 15.0 mWaikare River · New Zealand · 113 km
- 3.0 mWairoa · New Zealand · 145 km
- 2.0 mClifton · New Zealand · 85 km
- 0.2 mSydney · Australia · 2,299 km
Other Major Tsunamis in the Region
- 2016Off East Coast of South Island, New Zealand · 6.5 m2 deaths
- 1947Off Coast of North Island, New Zealand · 6.0 m
- 1947Off Coast of North Island, New Zealand · 10.0 m
- 1914Tolaga Bay, North Island, New Zealand1 deaths
- 1910Lake Taupo, North Island, New Zealand · 1.5 m1 deaths
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Tsunami Database (doi:10.7289/V5PN93H7) · Natural Earth