Tsunami immediate evacuation

Information icon. If a tsunami warning is in effect, it will be posted on the National Emergency Management Agency website: www.civildefence.govt.nz and in the yellow box on the top right hand side of our website homepage

Tsunami Evacuation Zones - Online map

Open the Tsunami Evacuation Zones map in our LocalMaps Gallery

Immediate evacuation

In the event that an immediate evacuation of tsunami zones is directed:

  • Move immediately to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can
  • Walk or bike where possible and drive only if essential. If driving, keep going once you are outside of evacuation zones to allow room for others
  • Remain there until an official all-clear message from Civil Defence
  • Stay up-to-date via radio, TV or social media
  • Share warning information with family, neighbours and friends in tsunami evacuation zones
  • Stay off beaches and shore areas and out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries – this includes boats)
  • Do not go sightseeing.

The first wave may not be the most significant – there may be multiple waves which continue for a number of hours.

Tsunami evacuation maps

For information on evacuation areas for Northland in the event of an Earthquake or a Tsunami warning, find your Tsunami evacuation map

We encourage you to:

  • Familiarise yourself with tsunami zones relevant to your home, workplace or holiday destination
  • Create and practice a household emergency plan - find information at:
    www.happens.nz/make-a-plan
  • Have a getaway kit or grab bag in case you need to leave in a hurry - find helpful resources at:
    www.happens.nz/helpful-resources