Tsunami

Tsunami Stories

1947 Gisborne Tsunami

In March 1947 an earthquake off Poverty Bay, probably accompanied by an underwater landslide, produced a 10m high tsunami north of Gisborne.

The force of the wave was enough to break off large fence posts at ground level. Seaweed was found in overhead wires. At Tatapouri Hotel outbuildings were damaged and destroyed, and fish were collected from inside the hotel itself.

Outbuildings of the Tatapouri Hotel that were damaged by the Gisborne tsunami
Outbuildings of the Tatapouri Hotel that were damaged by the Gisborne tsunami (Royal Society of New Zealand)

Back to top

Related Resources