The project quickly evolved well beyond emergency reinstatement. It became a corridor-wide recovery and resilience programme that combined engineering, landscape architecture, ecology, cultural design and public amenity. The works included large-scale landscape restoration, re-vegetation, ecological recovery, seven formal safe stopping areas, cultural interpretation, and a major public artwork programme integrated throughout approximately 60 km of coastline.
Boffa Miskell ecologists were involved in all aspects of the project, having input into the consenting, design and construction phases. On site, we undertook to mitigate and manage effects on the ecological values, including the management of New Zealand fur seals, native freshwater fish populations, riverine and coastal avifauna surveys, and indigenous vegetation management and re-establishment. We prepared a number of ecological management plans, to guide the construction and earthworks teams with information and controls required to avoid and minimise effects on the natural environment
The project was guided by a Landscape Design Framework (LDF) required under the post-earthquake Order in Council The LDF became the project brief for landscape outcomes across the corridor and was developed concurrently alongside consenting, detailed design and construction.
Boffa Miskell’s early input helped inform this wider framework, which was central to integrating permanent works into the surrounding landscape and designing with nature. This approach responded not only to physical damage, but also to the area’s outstanding natural character, ecological values and significance to mana whenua. The design and planting guidance in the LDF acknowledges and reflects the cultural significance of the coast, and provides opportunities for historical, natural heritage and cultural interpretation and storytelling. The design guidance also seeks to restore and enhance coastal habitat and ecology through revegetation of disturbed ground with eco-sourced indigenous species.
Boffa Miskell also remained connected to the project through involvement in landscape design and delivery inputs, contributing to the refinement of the landscape response as the project progressed. Consultation with key stakeholders was ongoing throughout this project and Boffa Miskell consultants worked closely with regional and territorial authorities, Department of Conservation, iwi, and infrastructure owners KiwiRail and NZTA.
The outcomes included extensive re-vegetation and ecological restoration along the road and rail corridor, using locally sourced indigenous seed and plant species. In some locations, direct seeding into compost blanket was used at large scale, and in one area seed and compost were even applied by helicopter. A notable ecological outcome was the re-establishment of the Ōhau rock daisy, a rare local species found only at Ōhau Point.
Public-facing improvements included seven formal safe stopping areas and other informal stopping opportunities designed to improve safety, allow people to engage with the landscape, and provide access to the coast. These areas incorporated planting, furniture, interpretation, and cultural design elements specific to each location.
The wider cultural artwork package included murals, pouwhenua, tekoteko, palisade elements and interpretation, developed collaboratively with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and creative partners. Together, these works transformed the corridor into a journey that expresses local whakapapa, history and connection to place.
For Boffa Miskell, the project reflects the value of bringing landscape planning, ecology and design thinking into major infrastructure work from the outset. In a post-disaster context, that meant helping shape a recovery response that was not only efficient and buildable, but environmentally restorative, culturally grounded and deeply connected to place.
