A previously unknown fault line has been discovered in Wellington Harbour capable of generating a significant earthquake in the capital, Radio New Zealand reports.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research found the fault line as a result of ongoing research.
It is thought to have been revealed during surveys between the Cook Strait Ferry terminal and Point Jerningham.
The fault line could be the cause of a quake that could travel from the harbour to the city, along Kent Terrace to the Basin Reserve, Newtown, Island Bay and into Cook Strait.
It is capable of generating an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 to 6.5 but is not as significant as the existing Wellington and Wairarapa fault lines.
Ummm, holy crap!: New Wellington fault line discovered http://t.co/zhfb1u6GrX via @nzherald
— Rebecca Quilliam (@bexquilliam) October 7, 2014
