THE NEW WAVE

Most New Zealanders know of Kaikōura, the small coastal town wedged between the ocean and mountains halfway between Christchurch and Blenheim. It’s convenient place to refuel and grab a snack en-route to or from the Marlborough Sounds, or if you’re rushing to catch the ferry in Picton. If you haven’t been there, you surely would’ve seen the glorious images of whales, mountains and other natural wonders. Then, at the end of 2016, we were bombarded with images of massive slips and widespread infrastructure damage following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

Now the construction of a new mountain bike-specific loop trail, and the locals, are about to put Kaikōura on the map for new