National Advisory: Tsunami activity

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Expect strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore. 
For the latest information see the New Zealand Civil Defence website - civildefence.govt.nz

1 August 2025 2.15pm

National Advisory Status for tsunami has been cancelled. 

Final update 1 August 2025 8.30am

National Advisory Status
Advisory for North and South Islands has been lifted.

This is the final update.

Your local Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management team.

 

Update 31 July 2025  8pm:

At 7.45pm, NEMA extended its advisory until 8am, 1 August 2025, when there will be a new update. 

Due to rebounding tsunami activity from South America, the East coast of both the North and South Islands, as well as the Chatham Islands remain under a National Advisory. 

The Western shorelines of the Waikato region are no longer under threat of strong and unusual currents. 

 

Update 31 July 3.30pm:

The number of areas experiencing strong and unusual currents has decreased. Please refer to the map for the latest details on Civil Defence website.

Current Advisory Status: Due to rebounding tsunami activity from South America, the east coast of both the North and South Islands, as well as the Chatham Islands, remain under a National Advisory and are expected to stay under advisory overnight.

Update 31 July 6.30am: 

The National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that Tsunami activity has already reached parts of New Zealand. The first currents and surges are unlikely to be the largest, and activity is expected to continue for many hours.

A short time ago, those around our coast may have received another Emergency Mobile Alert remind us of the key messages.

Tsunami-related activity may be seen around our shores until at least midday today.

The threat must be regarded as real until this advisory is officially cancelled.

  • No evacuation is required unless advised by local Civil Defence authorities
  • Coastal flooding is not expected
  • Stay away from shorelines and the water
  • Do not go to the coast to watch wave activity
  • Listen to local Civil Defence and follow instructions

Update 30 July 4.25pm:

The following Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) has been issued:

This is an important message for our coastal communities as we head into the evening.

A short time ago, many of you along our coastline may have received a National Emergency Mobile Alert regarding the Tsunami Advisory now in place across all of New Zealand.

The alert helps ensure consistent messaging is shared nationwide.

The national Emergency Mobile Alert reads:

TSUNAMI ADVISORY: Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore are expected following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia.

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 the shore. 

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.

IF YOU ARE ONSHORE, YOU DO NOT NEED TO EVACUATE. But STAY AWAY FROM THE WATER, including beaches, shore areas, harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries. DO NOT GO SIGHTSEEING.

This advisory is for all coastal areas of the North Island, Great Barrier Island, the South Island, Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands.

For more information go to www.civildefence.govt.nz

We ask that you take a few moments to read the following:

  • Stay out of the water and off beaches, shore areas, harbours, marinas, rivers, and estuaries until further notice.
  • Do not travel to the coast to watch wave activity — surges may be dangerous and unpredictable.
  • Follow instructions from local Civil Defence authorities.
  • Share this information with family, neighbours, and friends.
  • If you're on a boat, live-aboard, or at a marina, please move onto shore.
  • Do not return to your vessel unless advised by officials or until the warning is lifted.
  • There is no need to evacuate unless specifically instructed by Civil Defence.
  • Coastal flooding is not expected at this time.

Please continue to monitor this page for updates as new information becomes available.

Stay safe and look after one another.

Original message - 30 July 2025 2.25pm:

The National Emergency Management Agency has advised New Zealand coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake near OFF THE EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA RUSSIA at 2025-07-30 11:25 AM.

The first tsunami activity causing these strong currents and surges may reach New Zealand in the areas around Lottin Point, East Cape at approximately 11.59pm NZST, tonight (30 July 2025).

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.

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.

People on boats or at marinas should leave their vessels and move onto shore. Please check that your vessel is firmly secured. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.

Please do not travel to the coast for a look.

Please do not participate in any water activities, such as swimming, surfing or jet skiing along others.

Irregular tides may persist for up to 12-24 hours in some areas.