It will be welcomed news for tourism operators and retailers after some lean years following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016 and then Covid restrictions, Deputy Mayor Julie Howden said.
‘‘Visitors are still coming. I think we will have a good year.’’
She said last summer’s cruise ship visits had been ‘‘huge’’ for local retailers.
Destination Kaikōura manager Lisa Bond said the last 12 months have been successful, on the back of strong cruise ship visits and tourists flocking back to the town.
But cruise ship visits were always weather dependent.
‘‘We had a good cruise ship season last season with the weather.
‘‘The recent school holidays wasn’t great, but there were still people about and weekends have been very good with support from Cantabrians.’’
She said having Contiki Tours bringing tour groups through the winter had helped to boost what was traditionally a quiet time of year.
‘‘It is such an interesting time we are in. Kiwis are having to pick and choose where they go and be very wise with their money."
The council-funded organisation has been encouraging operators to prepare for summer now and refresh their website.
The cruise ship season is due to begin on October 24 with the planned arrival of The World, which carries up to 150 passengers.
January 30 and 31 are set to be busy with the scheduled visit by the Silver Muse and then Azamara Pursuit the next day.
Silver Muse carries up to 623 passengers, while Azamara Pursuit can carry 702 passengers.
The Kaikōura Cup race meeting, on November 3 to 4, will feature the 100th running of the Kaikōura South Bay Trot.
The Whale Run on September 7, a fun run on October 26 and CrayFest in November are also drawcards for visitors.
Events in the New Year include the annual Music on the Lawn at Fyffe House and the Kaikōura A&P Show.
Kaikōura Information and Tourism (KITI), known by its marketing name Destination Kaikōura, is a partnership between the Kaikōura District Council and local tourism operators.
It is New Zealand’s smallest regional tourism organisation.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
