[9] The hypocentre was near Resolution Island in Dusky Sound, Fiordland, at a depth that was initially reported as 12 km (7.5 mi).

Maximum displacement was estimated at 8.9 m (29 ft) about 23 km (14 mi) beneath the surface, occurring about 16 seconds after the earthquake began.

As the rupture mainly propagated away from the mainland, the measured shaking intensity was less than what would normally be expected given the earthquake's magnitude and shallow depth.

[3]: 26  The earthquake's epicentre was in a remote region where few seismic stations were installed, and as a result, limited recordings of strong ground motion were made.

[14][5] A few buildings in Invercargill experienced minor damage,[20] and power outages occurred in several parts of the South Island.

[17] Prime Minister John Key responded that people could "thank their lucky stars" due to the lack of damage.

[23] The low level of damage, despite the magnitude of the earthquake, was attributed to its remote location, slow moment release rate, low-frequency shaking,[10][15] and New Zealand's building standards.

[26] Civil defence officials in Southland also issued a "potential tsunami" warning, stating their concerns about widely varying measurements of the earthquake.

[1] A maximum run-up of 230 cm (91 in) was recorded; however, the tsunami may have been higher in some areas that were not surveyed due to the remoteness of the affected region.