Kaikoura getting back on its feet

Reopened marina and healthy tourism bookings buoy town year after huge quake, but rebuild far from over

Kaikoura has paused to remember the giant earthquake that changed its town — and seashore — for- ever.

Signs of hope are roadblocked by constant reminders that the picturepostcard seaside tourist town’s recovery remains an ongoing effort 12 months after the magnitude 7.8 quake that struck on November 14 last year.

The official opening of the redeveloped, multimillion-dollar marina at Kaikoura Harbour was seen as a major step in getting back the much-needed tourist dollar that it so relies upon.

Major tour operators Whale Watch and Dolphin Encounter can now ramp up trips as they are buoyed by promising advanced summer bookings.

A dawn ceremony at the harbour brought together many people and agencies who have helped in the town’s ongoing recovery, said Minister of Civil Defence Kris Faafoi.

A community picnic last night was also expected to bring many locals together.

“The community showed out in force because they know the marina reopening means so much to the town. People are truly appreciative of the mammoth effort to get the harbour back in business,” Faafoi said.

But it’s the road network, especially State Highway One north and south of the town, that locals are relying on to help get the place back on its feet.

The road north to Blenheim is due to reopen on December 15, but aerial tours of the massive rebuild efforts show that it will be far from completed next month.

When it does reopen, the NZTA has warned that it will be in a limited capacity, subject to routine closures for ongoing works, and also in the events of aftershocks or heavy rainfall.