Page updated 11 December 2020.
About the Kaikōura coast safety and resilience work
A $231 million investment along the Kaikōura coast has improved the safety and resilience of the network for people travelling in the area.
Residents and visitors can enjoy improved and enhanced safe stopping areas, and access to key recreational destinations along the route. There are also better amenities such as public toilets.
Benefits
We built safety and resilience into everything we did in Kaikōura.
Safety improvements includes widening shoulders, road realignments, putting up safety barriers in high-risk areas, and creating safe places for people to take a break from their trip.
When we talk about resilient design, that means we are planning for the future and building things that will be able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions such as extreme weather.
As well as making the road safer and improving journey time reliability, the work will also bring benefits to the region by supporting tourism growth.
Safe stopping area locations
Seven new safe stopping areas have been created at Ōkiwi Bay, Paparoa Point, Ōhau Point, Te Ana Pōuri, Rākautara, Raramai, and Toka-Ānau.
A Cultural Artwork Package, developed in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, has been integrated to the new safe stopping areas as well as at tunnels, retaining walls and the bridge into town.
The extensive range of artwork tells the story of the unique coastline, reflecting whakapapa and connection. It will leave a lasting legacy for Kaikōura.
Corten mural near Ōhau Point.
Paparoa Point stairs and lookout.
