John Creek — Warnings
John Creek — Warnings
This page is for residents of John Creek, the small lakeside settlement at the northeast corner of Lake Hāwea, reached via Gladstone Road. The advice on this page is specific to John Creek's geography and is more urgent than the standard earthquake response that applies elsewhere in Hāwea.
In a major earthquake, landslides into Lake Hāwea can generate large waves — referred to in Civil Defence terminology as lake tsunamis. These waves move quickly across the water and can reach the shoreline within minutes. After the initial wave, the lake may continue oscillating for hours — a phenomenon scientists call a seiche — which means the water can keep moving dangerously even when the immediate threat has passed.
There is no warning system for any of this. By the time you can see a wave, there is no time to move.
John Creek is the most vulnerable settlement on the lake because:
It sits at lake edge, very close to the water
It is at a lower elevation than Lake Hāwea township
Properties are close-packed along the shoreline, with limited high ground immediately behind them
Lake Hāwea township is at higher elevation and faces less risk from this hazard. The advice below is specifically for John Creek residents.
A 2018 NIWA study of Lake Tekapo found evidence of past landslide-generated waves up to five metres high. Scientists believe similar events are possible in Lake Hāwea and other Otago lakes during a major Alpine Fault earthquake.
The standard New Zealand earthquake response is Drop, Cover, Hold On — get under sturdy furniture, hold on, wait until shaking stops. This still applies in John Creek for the duration of the shaking itself.
But the moment shaking stops, John Creek residents should immediately move to higher ground.
Do not wait. Do not check on property. Do not go back inside for belongings.
Specifically:
Move uphill, away from the lake edge
Take only what you can carry quickly — phone, keys, shoes, warm clothing
Take family members and pets with you if they are with you - Do not drive if roads are damaged or congested — walk or run
Do not stop to take photos or check the lake — the water may look normal until the wave is too close to escape
Aim to be on higher ground within five minutes of shaking stopping. If you can see the lake from where you are, you are not high enough.
The land rises behind John Creek as you move away from the lake. Higher ground options include:
Up Gladstone Road, away from the lake
Up Hāwea Back Road
Cross-country uphill if roads are blocked
The exact route depends on your starting point. Walk the route now, in good conditions, so you know it without having to think about it. If you have children, walk it with them. If you have older or less mobile neighbours, know how they will get out and whether they need help.
A fit adult should be able to reach safe high ground from any point in John Creek within 5–10 minutes on foot. Plan accordingly. Anyone who cannot move that fast needs a plan that accounts for it.
Before an event:
Walk your evacuation route. Know how long it takes you, your children, and any older or mobility-affected family members.
Know your neighbours, particularly those who live alone or have mobility issues. After the shaking stops there will be no time to organise help — arrangements need to be in place before.
Keep sturdy shoes and a torch beside the bed. If shaking happens at night, you may need to move quickly in the dark over broken ground. - Have a small grab bag near the door — phone charger, water, basic medication, warm layer.
Tell visitors to John Creek about the risk. Renters, holiday-house guests, and visitors won't know unless someone tells them.
Do not return to John Creek properties until at least several hours have passed without further significant aftershocks. Even then, treat the situation with caution:
Aftershocks can trigger further landslides and further waves
The lake may continue to oscillate for hours after the initial wave — water can keep moving dangerously even when it looks calmer
Damaged property and the lake edge are both hazardous
Return only briefly to assess and collect essentials
Plan to spend the first night somewhere other than at lake level
Information about whether the area is safe will come through the Otago Gets Ready alert system, the Hāwea Community Resilience Group, and Civil Defence Otago.
This advice is critical for everyone who lives in or visits John Creek. The hazard is specific to lake-edge properties and not widely understood.
If you own a property in John Creek and rent it out — even occasionally to friends or family — make sure your guests know:
What to do if there is significant shaking
Where to go for higher ground
That they should not wait for an official warning
Consider a printed sheet on the fridge or noticeboard with the key information.
Identify Your Risks — the wider context of natural hazards in Hāwea
During An Earthquake — the standard Drop, Cover, Hold On response
Family Whereabouts — what to do about family members elsewhere
Communication — how the CRG will share information after an event
Last reviewed: May 2026.