Kaikoura District Council — Property Due Diligence Guide
Kaikoura District Council governs a small coastal district in North Canterbury, with a population of approximately 4,000. The town of Kaikoura is famous for its whale watching, crayfish, and dramatic coastal mountain scenery where the Kaikoura Ranges meet the Pacific Ocean.
Quick Facts
Useful Links
How to Order a LIM Report
Contact Kaikoura District Council directly to order a LIM. Standard processing takes 10 working days.
Kaikoura LIMs are particularly important given the 2016 earthquake. They include earthquake-related notices, building damage assessments, land damage information, and any ongoing remediation requirements. Building consents, resource consents, rates, zoning, and natural hazard overlays are also covered.
Given the small size of the council, allow adequate time for LIM processing, particularly during busy periods.
District Plan Zones
Kaikoura's District Plan includes:
- Residential Zone: Town residential areas in Kaikoura township
- Rural Zone: Farming and rural land surrounding the town
- Commercial Zone: Kaikoura town centre
- Coastal Zone: Coastal management areas
Post-earthquake plan changes have addressed some land use issues arising from ground damage and coastal uplift.
Natural Hazards
Kaikoura's natural hazard profile is dominated by seismic risk:
- Earthquakes: The 2016 earthquake demonstrated the extreme seismic risk in this area. Multiple fault lines run through the district. Aftershock sequences have continued.
- Coastal hazards: The 2016 earthquake uplifted the coastline significantly, altering the coastal environment. Tsunami risk exists from local and distant sources.
- Land instability: The earthquake triggered massive landslides. Many hillside areas remain unstable.
- Flooding: River and stream flooding occurs, with patterns altered in some areas by earthquake land deformation.
Building Consent & Code Compliance
Building consent is processed by Kaikoura District Council. Standard processing targets 20 working days.
Post-earthquake building requirements include updated foundation designs in areas of land damage. Geotechnical investigations are recommended for many sites. The council has been working through earthquake-related building consent and compliance issues since 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the 2016 earthquake affect property in Kaikoura?
The 2016 earthquake caused significant land and building damage throughout the district. Some land was uplifted, some was damaged by lateral spread or subsidence. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed. LIM reports now include earthquake-related information. Property values were impacted but have recovered in many areas as the rebuild progressed.
Is Kaikoura a good investment for property buyers?
Kaikoura's tourism economy (whale watching, marine wildlife) supports property demand, but the small population, seismic risk, and remote location are factors to consider. Post-earthquake rebuild has improved much of the town's infrastructure. Property here suits buyers who value the unique coastal-mountain lifestyle.
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