Public flocks to Kaikōura's Seafest

Thousands of people poured back into Kaikōura on Saturday, angling for a good time.

It's the first annual Seafest since the town was crippled by an earthquake 10 months ago.

While Kaikōura is still cut off from the North and facing a long recovery, it's a sign the town is heading back to normality.

More than 3500 people attended the festival, determined to have a good time and hungry for seafood - no matter what the weather.

While the rain was persistent, so was the crowd, who stayed in costume despite chilly weather, mud and perhaps better judgement.

Mayor Winston Gray said ticket sales were up from last year, and it showed.

The town was bursting at its seams, the already limited accommodation stretched between road workers and party-goers.

"The town, I believe it is really full; most of the hotels around aren't open yet, so there's still a bit of an accommodation crisis," says Kaikōura Boutique Hotel's Jen Barnes.

Seafest is known for its seafood, but this year it's been a challenge.

The pāua had to be brought in from the Chatham Islands and Bluff after the quake closed the Kaikōura fishery.

Roadside favourite Nin's Bin has been closed since the quake, but its pop-up stall was one of the most popular on Saturday.

"It was like, no, we're doing it," said Seafest organiser Sheena Hamilton. "We have to maintain our normality. We have to carry on as usual."

It was a real boost to morale for Kaikōura. While so much has changed since the quakes, Seafest showed it still had enough charm and appeal to pull in thousands of supporters.

The road to the North is due to open at Christmas, ensuring the future of Seafest and the tourism-dependant town.

Newshub.