Tsunami Zone
An area identified as being at risk of inundation from a tsunami — a series of ocean waves caused by large-scale undersea disturbances such as earthquakes.
What is a Tsunami Zone?
A tsunami zone is an area mapped by civil defence or regional councils as being at risk of inundation from tsunami waves. New Zealand's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire means tsunami risk is real — the country faces threats from locally generated tsunamis (from nearby fault ruptures, which can arrive in minutes) and distant-source tsunamis (from events in South America, Alaska, or the Pacific, which take hours to arrive).
Councils and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) publish tsunami evacuation zones, typically divided into three levels: red (near-source, highest risk), orange (regional-source), and yellow (distant-source). Properties in the red zone face the greatest risk and the shortest warning time.
Historically, New Zealand has experienced damaging tsunamis, and modelling suggests significant future risk in areas like the east coast of the North Island, the Canterbury and Otago coasts, and low-lying coastal communities throughout the country.
Why It Matters for Due Diligence
Tsunami zone status affects property value, insurance, and personal safety. Properties in high-risk zones (especially red zones with near-source risk) may have very limited warning time in the event of a local earthquake-generated tsunami. Insurers may adjust terms for properties in tsunami zones.
Check the LIM report and NEMA tsunami evacuation maps for the property's zone status. Understand the different zone levels and what they mean for warning time and inundation depth. Consider whether the property's elevation and distance from the coast provide natural protection.
How to Check
Check the LIM report for tsunami hazard notes. NEMA publishes tsunami evacuation zone maps online at getready.govt.nz. Regional councils also map tsunami inundation zones in their hazard assessments. Your local civil defence group can provide specific information about tsunami risk and evacuation routes for a given area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does being in a tsunami zone mean the property will definitely flood?
No. Tsunami zones are based on modelling of worst-case or credible scenarios. A property might be in a tsunami zone but never experience a tsunami in your lifetime. However, the risk is real, and the consequences can be catastrophic. It's about understanding and being prepared for the possibility.
Does tsunami zone status affect insurance?
Tsunami damage to residential buildings is covered under the Natural Hazards Commission (EQC) scheme for the first $300,000. Private insurers cover amounts above this. Being in a tsunami zone shouldn't prevent you from getting insurance, but it may influence premiums. The bigger concern for many buyers is personal safety and property value impact.
Related Terms
Flood Zone
GlossaryAn area identified by the local council or regional authority as being at risk of flooding, based on historical data and modelling.
Coastal Erosion
GlossaryThe gradual loss of land along the coastline caused by wave action, tidal currents, weathering, and rising sea levels.
LIM Report
GlossaryA Land Information Memorandum — an official council report summarising everything the council knows about a property.
Land Instability
GlossaryThe risk of ground movement including landslides, slope failure, subsidence, and land slippage that can damage buildings and infrastructure.
Understand Every Detail of Your Property in New Zealand
Upload your property documents and get AI-powered insights in minutes.
No commitment required · Start free