Earthquakes in Christchurch and Canterbury region

News article | June 13, 2011

Since September 2010 the city of Christchurch and the region of Canterbury have experienced a high number of earthquakes and aftershocks. On 22 February 2011 a 6.3 earthquake killed 181 people, wounded hundreds and caused severe damage to the city and the infrastructure. It is estimated that 10,000 houses and 1,000 commercial buildings will have to be demolished. Part of the city centre is inaccessible. Reconstruction is ongoing and will take years to be completed.

Earthquakes and aftershocks are expected to continue in the Canterbury region for some time. This causes serious danger for people and infrastructure. If you are planning to visit Christchurch or the Canterbury region please familiarise yourself with the risks, safety advice and the current situation in Canterbury.

Updates on the earthquakes and aftershocks are available on the Canterbury Earthquake website. Further information is also available on the

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Agency website.

Information on what to do in case of an emergency can be found on the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management website.

People planning to visit New Zealand are advised to check the travel advisory of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Dutch) and read the updates at Tourism New Zealand.