[2] The boundary between the Australian and Pacific plates passes through the west of the South Island of New Zealand, as the very active by world standards, Alpine Fault.

[6] Such episodic earthquake activity is thought to be the result of strain sharing between faults within the system.

[5] If it is, the potential for significant human and property hazard from a whole fault rupture is considerably increased.

The recent activity implies a slip rate of 6 mm (0.24 in)/year with recurrence average of 1700 years.

[5] The fault is named for the Akatore Creek, a small stream which flows to the Pacific south of Taieri Mouth.

[5] It was reactivated perhaps 40,000 years ago with reversal of movement which has formed the coastal hills in the typical northeast orientation of the Otago fault system.

[5] The recent activity implies a slip rate of 0.15 mm (0.0059 in)/year with recurrence average of 19,000 years.

[5] The fault is named for the rural locality of Titri, close to the eastern shore of Lake Waihola.

[8] Movement along it has built up the Rock and Pillar Range to 1,200 m (3,900 ft) above the valley floor.