Kaikōura has faced its fair share of tests in the past decade but, according to the district council and locals, now is its time to shine.
The completion of a number of waterfront projects, and the start of others, is proof the seaside community is flourishing once again, they say.
The tourism-reliant community has faced back-to-back challenges — the Christchurch earthquakes, the Kaikoura quake, then Covid-19.
Kaikoura District Council CEO Will Doughty says: “Kaikoura is a really humming place to be at the moment and it’s a really exciting place to be and we’ve got a really special part of paradise here.”
You have to be up at sunrise to see Julia Hunt work her special brand of magic at the brand new seaside sauna. Locals and tourists relax in the heat for 15 minutes, before diving into the ocean to cool off again.
Julia says: “I’m so excited to add to the community, for everyone to connect.”
If you follow the new Link Pathway, that will soon lead out to the seal colony, you’ll come across a construction site, that will soon form the basis of the Wakatu Quay retail and restaurant development. With a $10 million injection from the Provincial Growth Fund, it should be completed by October.
Kaikōura District Mayor Craig Mackle says: “It’s quite awesome to see it, it really is — what do they call it — fruits of your labour.”
It’s taken more than eight years but the brand new multisport courts that have unobscured views of the sea have just officially opened, the mayor saying, “I may be biased but I think we have the best outlook of any sports facility in the country.”
Kaikoura local Demelza Sweeney says the sports facilities are fantastic. “It’s been a while but, finally, it’s cool.”
Cool, like the sauna goers, after they’ve taken the plunge. Running out of the chilly waters they said through chattering teeth, it was a “good way to start the day isn’t it?
“It’s amazing it’s really invigorating.”
Both for the town and those who live there by the sea.