Story: Historic earthquakes

Wellington Harbour before the Haowhenua earthquake

Wellington Harbour before the Haowhenua earthquake

This aerial view of Wellington has been modified to show the shoreline as it was before the Haowhenua earthquake, probably in the 15th century. At this time, Miramar Peninsula was an island called Motukairangi, although the water covering the airport (Te Awa-a-Tia channel) would have been very shallow. The present-day coastline is indicated by a dashed line.

Using this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN15244/24
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, 'Historic earthquakes - Earthquakes in Māori tradition', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4383/wellington-harbour-before-the-haowhenua-earthquake (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 28 Mar 2011, updated 1 Nov 2017