Where is the safest place to live in NZ without fear of earthquakes?

While New Zealand is a seismically active country, there are no places that are completely free from the risk of earthquakes. However, some areas are statistically less prone to significant seismic events than others. Here are a few regions that are generally considered safer in terms of earthquake risk:

1. Bay of Islands: Located in the Northland region, the Bay of Islands area has a relatively low seismic hazard compared to other parts of the country. It is situated away from major fault lines and has experienced fewer significant earthquakes historically.

2. Central Otago: The Central Otago region, including areas like Cromwell, Alexandra, and Wanaka, is known for its low earthquake risk. The area is located in the South Island and is situated away from major fault lines.

3. North Canterbury: Areas in North Canterbury, including Rangiora, Amberley, and Cheviot, have a relatively low seismic hazard. They are located in a region with less frequent and smaller magnitude earthquakes.

4. Hawke's Bay: Hawke's Bay, located in the eastern part of the North Island, has a lower earthquake risk compared to some other regions. While the area is not entirely immune to seismic activity, it has not experienced any major damaging earthquakes in recent history.

5. Southland: The Southland region in the South Island, including areas like Invercargill and Bluff, is considered relatively safe from significant earthquakes. It is located away from major fault lines and has experienced fewer large earthquakes historically.

It's important to note that while these areas may have a lower risk of earthquakes, they are not immune to seismic activity. It is always advisable to be aware of earthquake preparedness measures and have an emergency plan in place, regardless of where you live in New Zealand.