Community Facilities
Council looks after a number of buildings, facilities, parks, reserves and land on behalf of the community.
This page contains background and booking information on using the Memorial Hall, Kaikōura Airport, Harbour Facilities, Scout Hall, Tennis Courts on Takahanga Domain, the Cuddon Building and other community facilities.
Welcome to Kaikōura
If you are new to Kaikōura and want to find out more about what our community has to offer, check out our Welcome to Kaikōura Guide
Kaikōura Aquatic Centre
The Kaikōura Aquatic Centre is open from Saturday 5th November 2022 (weather permitting) through to the 27th March 2023
Location
The aquatic centre is located on Wā Kaukau Terrace off Scarborough St (South) on the recreation reserve located behind Innovative Waste Kaikōura. There are parking facilities on site and you can walk or bike using the new pathways connecting from SH1. Also via Tom’s Track off Torquay Street.
Public Opening Times
Subject to change depending upon demand, usage and weather
Monday to Friday
Morning session: 6am–9.00am
Afternoon session: 3pm - 6pm
Weekends: 9am-6pm
Keep up to date by following the Aquatic Centre on Facebook
Phone: 03 319 3175 during opening hours only
Harbour
Council manages two harbour areas in Kaikōura - South and North of the Peninsula.
Situated on the southern side of the Kaikōura Peninsula, the Marina has a seawall, slipway, fuel facility, public toilet, boat wash down area and parking for buses, cars, trailers and boats.
To pay for your Recreational Slipway Fee please give us a call on 03 319 5026 or send an email to kdc@kaikoura.govt.nz with your details. ie: Name, Address, Phone Number and the boat trailer registration number. We can post the ticket to you once your payment has been confirmed.
Harbour Fees (incl. GST)
Recreational Slipway Fee
$ 10.00 per launch (this is to be paid at the Slipway pay and display machine.)
$ 85.00 per month
$299.00 per annum
Commercial Slipway Fee
Slipway Fee (commercial user) - $1,725.00 per annum
South Bay Boat park Lease (per boat park) - $3,450.00 per annum
Fishing Charters and other Commercial Users - $230.00 per month
Berthage Fees - New North Wharf - $2,300.00 per annum
Passenger Cruise vessels - $5.00 per passenger capacity per vessel
For any other queries please contact the ECAN Harbourmaster on 0800 324636 or 03 319 5781
For more information visit ECAN's Harbourmaster webpage
Both wharves are on the northern side of the peninsula, the North Wharf on Wakatu Quay and the Old Wharf on Avoca Street.
The North Wharf deck is designed for highway normal loading as per the Transit bridge manual, and the fendering system is designed for a boat of a maximum loading of 100 tonnes displacement (a fishing vessel of up to 20m long).
The depth alongside is approximately 2.5m below chart datum and leading lights are in place for the approach to the wharf.
Memorial Hall
Memorial Hall is one of the most significant buildings in our district and is located on an area that is pivotal to our shared cultural history. The hall is situated at 32 Esplanade, Kaikōura, with a central location and picturesque views, it is the ideal venue for functions, conferences, weddings and community events.
Memorial Hall is available for hire. Hall facilities include the following:
- Main Hall and smaller Supper Room (hired together or individually)
- Commercial kitchen with Dispense bar
- Bar facility with fridges
- Toilets and changing room
- Stage
- Chairs and tables
- AV Equipment
- PA System
Further information is available on the application form and the terms of hire.
Contact kdc@kaikoura.govt.nz for any queries
Pensioner Cottages
Council owns and manages 16 one and two bedroom pensioner cottages. There is a currently a waiting list for the cottages, if you would like to find out more then please contact us.
Contact 03 319 5026 or sarah.wright@kaikoura.govt.nz
How to apply
To apply complete an application form and return to Council either in person, in the post or by email to sarah.wright@kaikoura.govt.nz.
Airport
Kaikōura Airport is located on State Highway 1, around 8km south of Kaikōura township.
General Restrictions
Under New Zealand's Civil Aviation rules, drones must not be flown within 4 km of a helipad or airport unless you are either flying below tree heights (shielded) or you have a licence/permit/permission from aerodrome operators.
Kaikōura has three sites that fall into this category, the airport, hospital and Whale Watch. This means drones must not be flown anywhere in the circles shown on the image on the left, unless it is below tree height.
Flying drones on DOC land
Note if you wish to land or fly a drone on public conservation land for any reason you must have authorisation from DOC.
For more information see DOC's
Guidance for flying drones near marine mammals
Flying drones in the vicinity of marine mammals (such as whales, dolphins, and seals) can stress or disrupt them. Even though an animal might not appear to be disturbed, it could be quite stressed.
It is an offence to harass or disturb marine mammals. To avoid disturbing or harassing marine mammals you must:
- fly no closer than 150 m horizontally from a point directly above any marine mammal
- not disturb or harass any marine mammal with your drone; e.g. don’t chase, herd or scatter them
- not make any sudden or repeated change in speed or direction
- not make any loud or disturbing noises near marine mammals
- abandon contact at the first sign of any marine mammal being disturbed.
You should:
- take off at least 100 m from any marine mammal on the shore or the land
- not fly within 300 m of any marine mammal if there are already three drones, other aircraft, or boats within 300 m of that marine mammal
- keep at least 50 m from any other drone
Getting closer to marine mammals
If you want to fly your drone closer than 150 m horizontally from a marine mammal, whether commercially or recreationally, you must have a permit from DOC to “disturb or harass” marine mammals.
See interacting with marine mammals for more information about the marine mammal permit application process.
If you have any questions or concerns about flying your drone near marine mammals contact the Christchurch Permissions Team.
Reporting unsafe drone flights
If a drone presents an immediate danger, call 111 and ask for the Police.
If you see or experience inappropriate drone use on DOC land or near marine mammals report it to your local DOC office or you can call our emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
To report a rule breach or an aviation concern contact the Civil Aviation Authority 0508 4 SAFETY (0508 472 338) or email isi@caa.govt.nz
You will need to provide the time and location of the incident, and any other details about the person flying the drone (such as their vehicle registration plate).
Other community facilities
The Scout Hall is located along Beach Road and was formerly known as the Drill Hall. The facility was a bequest donated to the community by the Flower Family Estate and has reserve status, which means it is protected under the Reserves Act 1977 as a public hall facility.
A fire unfortunately destroyed all of Council’s records in 1945 but it is believed the building was constructed in 1897 as the drill hall for soldiers going off to the Boer War and later WWI. It is a much loved facility by the community and is listed as a strategic asset under Council’s Significance Policy.
The Scout Hall was substantially refurbished in 2021 with generous support from Lotteries New Zealand $136,000 and the Provincial Development Unit $470,000.
For bookings and any queries please contact Te Hā o Mātauranga online through their contact form or phone 03 319 3002.
The Cuddon Building is located at 25 Beach Road and is home to the Kaikōura Community OpShop.
The OpShop is run by volunteers and all proceeds support community projects.
Opening hours are:
Monday-Friday 10am-4pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
Sunday CLOSED
Public Toilets
The facilities below are Council managed and all are maintained by Innovative Waste Kaikōura (excluding Kiwa Road).
There are a number of other toilets around town that are managed privately or by other organisations.
Download a map of public toilets in Kaikōura town.
| West End | 49 West End |
| North | Mill Road, SH1 and Beach Road intersection |
| Jimmy Armers | Beach, walkway, Fyffe Quay |
| Gooches Beach | Esplanade |
| Point Kean | Seal colony, walkway, 40 Fyffe Quay |
| South Bay Marina | Moa Point, South Bay |
| South Bay Reserve | Peninsula walkway gateway, South Bay |
| Kiwa Road | Kiwa Road, basic facility (maintained by Surf Club) |
Public Showers
| Jimmy Armers | Cold - basic public shower (Managed by Council) |
There are two tennis courts available at Takahanga Domain (Corner of Esplanade and Killarney Street).
The lower tennis courts were damaged in the 2016 earthquake. Community sports groups are currently working together to finalise a design and fundraising plan to create a new multi-sports facility that will accommodate netball, tennis, basketball and other sports.
There is a skatepark located in town that is located opposite the tennis courts at Takahanga Domain.
The skatepark here was damaged in the 2016 earthquake and repair work by Council included smoothing of cracks and bumps, and concrete work. Further maintenance work will be undertaken mid 2023.
There is also a small timber half pipe structure at Gooches Beach playground along Esplanade. It is maintained by a group of community skate enthusiasts - Kaikōura Skate Park Group.
