Wakatu Quay

Priming Wakatu Quay for Development

Since successfully securing the $9.88m grant to develop this unique location, we have been working to prime the location for development. The significant progress in preparing the location is outlined below:

2020 -Demolition and clearance of the old commercial fishing buildings

2021 -Designs - Warren & Mahoney appointed project architects and concept designs developed.

2022 - Infrastructure Enabling Works

• Power Supply: Installation of new electrical transformer to upgrade power supply to the new development. Underground power lines are planned for the site to enable the removal of some power poles to clear lines of sight to the mountains.
• Water infrastructure: upgraded to accommodate Wakatu Quay Development
• Sea wall repairs: The historical sea walls were built over 100 years ago and have stood strong against everything mother nature has thrown at it. With the wharf currently an empty pristine site, it was an opportune time to undertake significant maintenance and repairs costing close to $400k to ensure the sea walls remain robust and sturdy for another 100 years. The repairs are funded by the PGF grant. These include:
  • Patch repairs of cracks, ensuring they are sealed to prevent deterioration of the internal structure.
  • Reinforcing face and corners of sea walls that are showing greatest deterioration with new concrete facing
  • Just outside the wharf the sea is undermining the footing of the walls. Contractors have cleared gravel to bedrock to reinforce the foundations and have installed a drainage channel.

2022 Resource Consent - A resource consent application for the full development of six buildings was submitted in August 2022 which is currently being considered by external planning consultants RMG to ensure impartiality.

Kaikōura District - Moving Forwards

Since first conceiving the Wakatu Quay project in 2019 there have been many positive developments for Kaikōura which make it an attractive investment location. Kaikōura is moving forwards – it is planning for growth and is on a strong footing for the future. When the vision for Wakatu Quay was first conceived there were many unknowns that are now known. Kaikōura is brimming with potential.

We have come through the worst of Covid-19 in good shape. Our township is welcoming international tourists and we are seeing visitor numbers close to pre-covid levels.

Other projects that were in the conceptual stages when the Wakatu Quay Project was conceived have also taken significant steps forwards.

New Link Pathway 2023

In 2021 Kaikōura District Council was successfully awarded $1.9m from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund to develop a Link Pathway. The pathway will stretch from the town’s West End along the Esplanade to Point Kean Seal Colony, leading walkers and wheelers to the opening of Wakatu Quay. The new Link Pathway will connect key points of interest along the foreshore and showcase the incredible natural environment of Kaikōura and encourage visitors and residents to swap short car journeys along the Esplanade for a pleasant stroll for all. Construction of the pathway will begin in mid 2023.

South Bay Harbour Redevelopment Business Case

Also a business case for the redevelopment of South Bay Harbour has been presented to Government. Following a successful application to the Provincial Growth Fund (Kānoa) for $1m, the Kaikōura Marine Development Programme (KDMP) was established to investigate the potential development of a Marina and Harbour that would overcome the issues of the current harbour and help maximise its future potential. The completed business case was presented to Government and Kaikōura District Council are now seeking funding to conduct further feasibility studies to inform development of designs.

Luxury Sudima Hotel Opened

Tourism in Kaikōura has also taken a step forward with the recent opening of a luxury 4.5 star Sudima Hotel on the Esplanade. The hotel is located at the mid-point between the town and Wakatu Quay- a short stroll along the new Link Pathway for those staying at the new Sudima Hotel.

Finally, Vicarage Views, a new sub-division on the north side of the town enabled by $7.8m funding for council infrastructure by Kāinga Ora has also submitted its resource consent.