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Story: Wellington region

Wellington Fault

Wellington Fault

Wellington is crossed by three main faults: Pukerua, Ōhariu, and Wellington. This early 1990s view shows the Wellington Fault. It runs through the Karori Sanctuary valley – containing two reservoirs – and through the suburbs of Kelburn and Thorndon. It then forms the western edge of Wellington Harbour and the Hutt Valley. Because of fears that the reservoirs could be breached in a strong earthquake, the upper reservoir was decommissioned in 1991 and later lowered.

About this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN17492
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

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

How to cite this page:

Chris Maclean. 'Wellington region', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 25-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/wellington-region/1/4