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Call for Kaikura to be a new world heritage site
A year since its massive earthquake hit the award-winning whale watching seaport, the town boasts the newest coastline and great new experiences
This week marks a year since a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 in magnitude hit the whale watching town of Kaikoura, yet despite the destruction the town boasts the newest coastline and seabed in New Zealand and is campaigning for UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of its geology, cultural history and wildlife.
The earthquake last November hit North Canterbury just after midnight lifting parts of the sea bed by up to 10 metres in places which caused huge landslides. For two weeks the town was completely cut off by road and rail.
Paul Carberry founder of New Zealand In Depth said; "The changes to the landscape have created many new experiences for visitors including a 1km walk at low tide across and around the seabed at Point Kean seal colony; a new surf beach along the Esplanade; a new sea kayak experience to Hope Springs, where guests can see bubbles still emerging from the fissures in the seabed and a new 60km cycleway and walkway now also runs between Okiwi Bay and Mangamaunu."
Kaikoura has proved itself a resilient and robust place and has seen other new additions which will help boost its appeal further including a new museum and a new marina.
Paul added; "It has been a tough year for the residents and businesses, but there is a real feeling of optimism and there is even more good news. The main road (SH1) north of Kaikoura and up to Picton is due to re-open, ahead of schedule, in a month’s time on the 15th December. Visitors will once again be able to reach Kaikoura, a few short hours after getting off the InterIslander ferry from North Island. This will have a huge impact as it will make the town fully accessible once again."
It wasn’t long after the Earthquake the whales, dolphins and seals that the town is famous for were once again spotted off the coastline. Kaikoura is still a haven for marine wildlife and whale and dolphin watching businesses make up a huge proportion of the 93% of tourism attractions that have re-opened.
Valere Tjolle
@ValereTjolle
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