Kaikōura has a reputation ias a summer tourism hotspot, but the town's mayor hopes people will rediscover it as a winter destination.
By David Hill of Local Democracy Reporting
Visitor numbers to the northern Canterbury town have dropped as the cold season sets in and fuel price hikes begin to bite, but Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle says winter is the best time for stargazing and to see the wildlife, including whales passing Kaikōura’s coast.
‘‘I’m hoping this will be the year where we start to be seen as a winter destination,’’ he said.
Kaikōura has traditionally been seen as a summer destination, but in recent years there have been efforts to grow the winter attractions.
Astrotourism has been growing in the district, 20 months on from gaining international dark sky sanctuary status from Dark Sky International in September 2024.
Mackle said the town was noticeably quiet, following Easter and the April school holidays.
‘‘It has gone pretty quiet which was expected, and with everything going on globally, it’s got us a bit edgy.’’
Kaikoura Visitor Centre Manager Vicki Harris said there had been noticeably fewer people passing through.
‘‘We are still making bookings, however these have certainly reduced compared with the busier months.
‘‘Most tour operators have now moved into their winter schedules, with many reducing the number of tours they operate each day while still remaining open.
‘‘I do feel fuel prices are likely having an impact on domestic travel, as many Kiwis are having to think more carefully and strategically about how they spend their money.’’
The visitor centre opened in October, after Destination Kaikōura (a partnership between the Kaikōura District Council and tourism operators) placed the former i-SITE building into hibernation in 2022 during Covid-19 restrictions.
Astrotourism operators have been reporting strong demand.
Operator Bradley McConville said stargazing tours were booked out on most clear nights, with a mix of overseas visitors and domestic travellers keen to observe Kaikōura’s night sky.
‘‘The last couple years of growing Kaikōura's reputation as an astrotourism location has really helped us as we head into this winter.
‘‘The fuel prices, of course, affect us, but at the same time it's one of the many things you have to deal with in tourism.’’
Demand is also strong for astrophotography experiences, tourism operator Rachel Gillespie said.
‘‘I think Kiwis are saving their pennies and people aren’t sure what’s going to happen with the election and other events going on in the world.
‘‘But we can still go outdoors and have great experiences.’’
Most of her clients were overseas visitors keen to experience the night sky.
The biggest challenge was finding enough staff to keep up with demand.
‘‘It has been a good season and now is the best time for stargazing,’’ she said.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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