The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is in the top 10 sites managed by DOC in New Zealand!

In 2004, Kaikoura DIstrict Council successfully submitted an application to the Ministry of Tourism's Tourism Facilities Grant Programme to redevelop the facilities at the South Bay reserve.

The Department of Conservation (DoC), Kaikoura District Council, Whale Watch, Te Rununga O Kaikoura and Ngai Tahu have jointly prepared the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway Development Plan. The upgrade of South Bay Recreation Reserve was included in this plan.

This project has won a Creative Places Award in 2007.

What's changing?

At present the majority of people start the walkway at Point Kean (the seal colony on the northern side of the peninsula), meaning there is significant pressure on this area.  Improving and promoting the South Bay entry will, it is hoped, increase it's usage and reduce pressure at Point Kean.

The funding will be managed to replace the toilets at South Bay, improve the roading and landscaping and to provide a gateway to the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, complete with interpretation and upgrades along the walkway.

The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway Development Plan includes the construction of a walkway across the mud flat to allow access by both disabled and able bodied visitors.

Key project stages

Development of this project will take place in stages over several years commencing in March 2006.

Stage one: completed December 2006

• Development of landscaping plans
• Development of the southern gateway and interpretation shelter at South Bay
• Upgrading the South Bay toilet facilities and sewerage system
• Placing interpretation panels and track markers.
  

Stage two: in process 2008

• Landscaping of the reserve, planting of new gardens and trees around the parameter and alteration to the existing road.
• Replacing existing broken and damaged barbeques
• Installing picnic tables and seats.

Stage three

• Construction of walkways
• Implementation of interpretation plan

Contact the Environmental Development Officer at Kaikoura District Council if you have any questions or require information.