itinerary changes: earthquakes

From the Camping & Caravanning Club who are keeping an eye on the situation:

" As you may be aware New Zealand suffered an earthquake in November. Earthquakes are a way of life for New Zealanders and the infrastructure is well adapted to cope. The earthquake was centred just off the coast of South Island not far from Kaikoura which is part of the itinerary. Ever since the earthquake we have been monitoring the situation very closely and speaking with our local agents.  

State Highway 1 which is the access road in and out of Kaikoura suffered extensive damage and is currently closed. Whereas the local authorities are working very hard to repair the roads, we cannot be certain that the road will be open in time for the tour next year. For this reason, we have taken the decision to re-route the tour so we will not visit Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura but spend 2 nights in Nelson and one in Blenheim prior to catching the ferry from Picton to Wellington. We feel it is better to make this decision now to ensure that we can secure the accommodation on the revised route. If we were to wait longer and the route remained closed it might be difficult to secure enough pitches for the group.  

Although it is disappointing to miss Kaikoura and the possibility to go whale watching, there is plenty to occupy you in Nelson and Blenheim.  Nelson has 3 National Parks on its doorstep -- The popular Abel Tasman National Park entices visitors with its clear sheltered coastline, crystal clear turquoise waters and Tonga Island Marine Reserve and the Abel Tasman Coast Track - one of New Zealand's "9 Great Walks"; The diverse landscape of the huge Kahurangi National Park, to the west of the region offers remote adventure in a unspoilt environment, including another of New Zealand's "Great Walks", the Heaphy Track; Nelson Lakes National Park to the south offers an alpine landscape with majestic mountains and lakeside walks and nearby Murchison is home to the regions white water rafting and jetboating. Blenheim is at the heart of Marlborough Wine Country. It is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, with an estimated average of 2,438 hours of sunshine a year. Mountains frame the area and trap the summer heat (temperatures over 30°C are quite normal in February and March). In and around Blenheim you'll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, artisan food outlets and golf courses. There are more than 20 wineries within driving distance of the town, and most of them welcome visitors for sampling sessions and cellar door sales."