Funding Boost For Whale Trail's Kaikōura Section

November 11, 2026

Kaikōura’s mayor has welcomed a $500,000 cash injection to help complete the Kaikōura section of The Whale Trail cycle and walk way.

Craig Mackle said the funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help build a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across Lyell Creek, near the visitor centre, and an extension of the West End car park.

This announcement follows $12m announced last week for the Picton section of the trail.

‘Kaikōura continues to attract national attention as a destination of choice, and it's important our infrastructure keeps up with the pace,’’ Mr Mackle said.

‘‘This funding will help create a more connected, accessible and welcoming town centre while supporting the completion of The Whale Trail without a big sting in the pockets of local ratepayers.

‘‘It's a result our whole community can be proud of.’’

The council plans to contribute $250,000 towards the project from next year’s Long Term Plan. The project will add 60 parking spaces, a new access road, footpath and recreational green space.

The Kaikōura to Hāpuku section is expected to be open before Christmas, with the installation of two of the three creek bridges along Old Beach Road planned for Thursday, November 12.

The bridges were made possible following donations from the Kaikōura Community Op Shop, Encounter Foundation and Fissenden Bros Contractors.

Project lead Nigel Muir said the two funding announcements were ‘‘super-exciting’’ for Kaikōura and Marlborough.

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‘‘It’s really critical. We have two beautiful bookends for the trail in Picton and Kaikōura. I couldn’t be more excited.’’

The Whale Trail is weaving its way down the South Island's east coast, from Picton to Kaikōura, with cyclists expected to be able to ride the Picton to Kekerengu and Kaikōura to Hāpuku sections this summer.

The 170km trail is expected to bring economic growth and jobs to the various communities it passes through.

The $12m boost for the Picton section will allow for safer access for cyclists at the start of the trail. It includes a proposed access bridge over State Highway 1 and the main truck railway to join the Whale Trail, avoiding a narrow, high speed, elevated section used by ferry traffic.

‘‘It allows us to find an elegant solution for a really tricky part of the trail,’’ Mr Muir said. Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith said the investment will be money well spent. “Since 2015, I have been advocating for a cycle and walking trail in Marlborough.

“This became even more important after the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake as our region united around a desire to build back better.”

The funding comes from the Regional Infrastructure Fund and the Infrastructure Reference Group Programme.

The Whale Trail’s biggest funder is the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Kānoa Regional Development and Investment Unit, which contributed $26m from its Covid-19 fund.

Funding has also been received from the Marlborough and Kaikōura district councils, the Rātā Foundation and the wider community.

- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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