The tectonic plate on the Australian side is sliding under the plate on the east side of New Zealand, uplifting the southern alps, as well as parts of the coastline. Kaikoura has had big uplifts in the past, as the various “shelves” you can see on the coastal walkway attest. This time we got another one–one report said there were areas where it popped up 6 meters! (that’s nearly 20 feet) That will certainly be a nasty surprise for resident paua.