Kaikoura’s Waterfront Makeover Set For Summer Opening

Thursday, 24 April 2025, 7:35 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Kaikōura’s Wakatu Quay is expected to be open to the public in time for next summer.

The site is closed for now while work continues to construct the first building as part of the redevelopment of the historic wharf.

Project manager Chris Sturgeon said work remains on track for completion of the building by the end of October, with landscaping to be completed by the end of the year.

‘‘It is all hands to the tiller and steady as she goes, but we expect the site will be open to the community again for summer, depending on the needs of any new tenant.’’

The council has yet to sign a tenant, but is looking for a hospitality type business in line with the development’s seafood theme, Mr Sturgeon said.

‘‘There is a lot of interest and excitement about the opportunity and a real recognition that visitor numbers over the summer period and the shoulder seasons are really improving and there is a good flow of business coming through.

‘‘We have a number of large tour groups coming through now, so it is good to be able to offer them different food places around the town and different experiences.’’

The council plans to install the infrastructure to enable future development of the quay, as well as seating and furniture which will be made out of old wharf timber.

The project is being funded by a $10.18m grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, with the council taking the lead on the project and loan funding any shortfall.

The grant was received from the Government in 2019 to redevelop the area after it suffered damage in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016.

Local company LMC Building and Construction Ltd was granted the tender for the first building in September.

Work is also progressing on the roading redesign to support the development.

When complete, there will be space for almost 100 car parks, while the road will have a 30kph speed limit, a raised pedestrian crossing and a footpath along the waterfront made from crushed limestone.

The Kaikōura Marine Development Programme team is also planning to enhance the surrounding environment.

It has partnered with Project Wellbird, run by the Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust, to create ‘safe zones’ where penguins are known to nest near Wakatu Quay and around South Bay.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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