Key Takeaways:
- The 50th annual Tall Ships race took place in the Bay of Islands with hundreds of sailors participating in the event.
- Temperatures reached the high 30s in Napier and Hastings, causing many to seek ways to beat the heat.
- Popular summer hotspots and activities were not an option for visitors due to the intense heat.
- Te Mata Peak, a normally busy lookout in Havelock North, was closed off due to high fire risk.
- Unique ice cream flavors, such as feijoa and passionfruit, were in high demand at Rush Munro’s Ice Cream Parlour in Hastings.
- A total fire ban was in place in Kaikōura, reassuring campers after a burn pile sparked large fires destroying four homes in the town late last year.
Introduction to the Heatwave
The recent heatwave that swept across New Zealand brought with it temperatures reaching the high 30s in Napier and Hastings, causing many to seek ways to beat the heat. While the weather was perfect for the 50th annual Tall Ships race in the Bay of Islands, with hundreds of sailors making the most of the blazing sunshine and 10-15 knot winds, it was a different story for those in other parts of the country. The heat was so intense that popular summer hotspots and activities were not an option for visitors, with many seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces or cool ocean waters.
Beating the Heat in Napier and Hastings
In Napier and Hastings, the heat was particularly oppressive, with temperatures reaching the high 30s. Renske Speekenbrink, who works at the Napier i-site Visitor Centre, reported that many people were popping in to cool off, seeking refuge from the heat. "Walking in the streets with no air-con, it’s quite hot, so we’ve been quite welcoming," she said. The centre was recommending that visitors head to the museum, which has air-con, or cool off in the ocean. However, the heat was so intense that some visitors had to cancel their plans, with one group postponing their push bike tour until the next day when it was supposed to be cooler.
Impact on Local Businesses
Despite the heat, some local businesses were thriving. At Rush Munro’s Ice Cream Parlour in Hastings, owner Vaughan Currie reported a strong day, with sales up 20% on a typical hot day. The parlour sold over 320 cones, with unique flavors such as feijoa and passionfruit being particularly popular. "We’ve had a really strong day, probably one of the strongest Sundays we’ve had for January so far. It’s obviously weather-driven," Currie said. The heat was also driving sales of cold drinks and ice cream at the Alpine-Pacific Kiwi Holiday Park in Kaikōura, where campers were seeking ways to cool down.
Fire Risk and Total Fire Ban
The heat also brought with it a high fire risk, with Te Mata Peak, a normally busy lookout in Havelock North, being closed off due to the risk of fires. A total fire ban was in place in Kaikōura, reassuring campers after a burn pile sparked large fires destroying four homes in the town late last year. Sylvia Wong, who works at the Alpine-Pacific Kiwi Holiday Park, said that the ban was a relief, and that campers were taking precautions to stay safe. "There are still a lot of people camping. All of the people here are jumping into our pools half-naked because it’s just too warm to stay in the tent site, so they either go to the beach or chill out in the pool," she said.
Wet Weather Warnings
Despite the heat in many parts of the country, several wet weather warnings were in place over the weekend, including in the ranges of the Grey and Buller districts in the South Island. Flooding on Sunday also caused the closure of the key road link between Canterbury and the West Coast on State Highway 73. The contrasting weather conditions highlighted the unpredictable nature of New Zealand’s climate, with some areas experiencing record-breaking temperatures while others were dealing with heavy rain and flooding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent heatwave that swept across New Zealand brought with it a range of challenges and opportunities. While the weather was perfect for the 50th annual Tall Ships race, it was a different story for those in other parts of the country, with many seeking refuge from the heat. Local businesses such as Rush Munro’s Ice Cream Parlour and the Alpine-Pacific Kiwi Holiday Park were thriving, but the heat also brought with it a high fire risk, with a total fire ban in place in Kaikōura. As the country continues to experience unpredictable weather conditions, it is essential to take precautions and stay safe.
