Explore our Natural Hazards Database to find out about natural hazards in Otago.
The database portal contains a variety of information on natural hazards in Otago, from interactive maps and photos to reports and links to other useful resources. It is a handy online tool that can help the public, local authorities and others make informed decisions about their exposure to natural hazards.
The information within the natural hazards database portal is generally relevant to wide areas and is not a LIM (Land Information Memorandum), or a substitute for a LIM. To obtain a LIM and/or understand natural hazard information for a specific property or parcel of land, please contact your local city/district council.
The natural hazards portal landing page will give you access to multiple portals, each with providing in-depth information, including on Flooding, Coastal Hazards, Alluvial Fans, Landslides and Earthquakes.
Otago flood hazard portal
Search by address to find flood information in Otago, or on specific areas (including Taieri, Tokomairiro and Dart/Rees rivers). Click on any coloured section of a map to view more information, including access to reports for that area.
Coastal hazards portal
Gain more understanding on coastal erosion, storm surge events, tsunami or coastal hazards in Otago. This portal is separated into different focuses, and you can click on an area of interest in the map to get more information and read related reports from the popup box.
Alluvial fan hazard portal
The Alluvial fan hazard portal provides an overview of alluvial fans found in Otago, as well as more detailed reports on Roxburgh debris flood.
Landslide hazards portal
View the mapping of where landslides may have occurred and areas in Otago where potential rockfall hazards may exist. When you select an area on the map you will be able to view reports for that specific area in the pop up window.
Earthquakes hazard portal
Active fault and folds have been mapped in Otago, which includes suspected faults. On this portal you'll also find information on expected shaking intensity, the typos of ground/soil in an area, liquefaction susceptibility and specific information on Glenorchy and Clutha Delta.
South Dunedin groundwater portal
Explore maps and spatial data looking at South Dunedin and Harbourside areas, coving emergent groundwater, rainstorm events and coastal inundation.
Taieri foodbanks risk assessment portal
View the map to explore areas showing the relative risks to the community of floodbank failure within the Lower Taieri River Flood Protection Scheme.
Regional overview data
Access all available ORC natural hazard layers mapped for the Otago region. This is particularly useful for professional users needing to download detailed spatial data.
In the Natural Hazards Database (NHDB Portal), interactive maps are presented under tabs for specific hazards, from flooding to coastal hazards and earthquakes. Each tab shows the hazards mapping information ORC holds for that type of hazard.
- You can move around the maps and zoom in or out to find areas you are interested in or search an area by property address.
- Click on the hazard features in any map to view pop-up information for that hazard and find a link to the source report.
- There are also tabs for our photo information, technical reports and links to other resources.
- Please click the Otago Natural Hazards Portal to directly access the NHDB Portal.
- In addition, you can view the video below for a full description on how to best use it.
Hazards information is indicative and is constantly being reviewed and subject to change. If you find an error or have a suggestion for improvement then please submit your feedback via our Natural Hazards Database Feedback Form.
The ORC database provides maps and data on a range of different natural hazards that Otago potentially faces, including:
Alluvial fans
An alluvial fan is an accumulation of river or stream (alluvial) sediments that form where streams emerge from hill country onto a valley floor. Alluvial fans can be formed by several geomorphic processes, which become hazards when they intersect people, property or infrastructure.
Coastal erosion
Coastal erosion is the wearing away of land and beach sediments by waves, tidal currents, drainage or high winds.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes occurring both within Otago and beyond its boundary can affect people and property within the region.
Flooding
We identify areas at risk of flooding from rivers and lakes around Otago.
Landslides
The term landslide describes a wide range of ground movements, such as rockfalls, deep failure of slopes, shallow debris-slides, and flows. We hold information on known landslides in the region.
Storm surge
A storm surge is a higher than normal sea level, due to changes in barometric pressures and wind, which can result in inundation of roads and coastal property over an extended period.
Tsunami
A tsunami is a series of waves caused when a large mass of earth on the bottom of the ocean suddenly drops or rises, rapidly displacing the water above it.
Weather hazards
Weather hazards in Otago can include drought, wildfire, snow, wind, and heavy rain. These events may worsen with climate change, so understanding them helps with preparedness and resilience.
Otago Natural Hazards Portal
Otago’s exposure to natural hazards
Learn more about the exposure of communities to natural hazards through an interactive map viewer.
