Kiwi generosity has been on full display in Kaikoura as locals and tourists band together to make the most of being isolated from the rest of the country.
Access to the coastal town has been hampered by yesterday's 7.5 magnitude earthquake, with State Highway 1 badly damaged by slips.
Up to 1200 tourists are in the town, with many forced to stay in a makeshift campground and deal with aftershocks and poor weather while they wait for military helicopters and the HMNZS Canterbury to transport them elsewhere.
Last night, a local restaurant owner turned up with curry for those sleeping out, and today, a local delicacy was on the menu.
A delivery of fresh Kaikoura crayfish was made by Jeff Reardon, who said it was a simple offering to make life easier for everyone
"After going through Christchurch it's good to get rid of the people you don't need here, to ease the burden on us all," he told 1 NEWS.
"And if you send them away with a bit of a full stomach, they leave with a better memory.
"It's not hard to be kind."
The gesture was not lost on those who were in the town to get a taste of Kiwi hospitality.
Carol Reardon, whose family won't make it to town for her 60th birthday, is determined to help those in need.
"I never thought I'd have crayfish for breakfast in this situation," one visitor said.
Carol Reardon was dishing out stew and rice, and cake that was baked by Jeff's cousin's wife.
She said they moved to Kaikoura after losing their property in Christchurch.
"We know what it's like, it's difficult, but we're all OK, that's the main thing."
She was supposed to celebrate her 60th birthday this weekend, but her family from around the country and overseas were unable to get to the town.
1 NEWS reporter Lisa Davies said it was a special moment.
"A local came out and made breakfast at this makeshift campsite," 1 NEWS reporter Lisa Davies said.
It’s been a long night of rain and aftershocks in Kaikoura, but the community is pulling together.
"She had stew, bread, and best of all, she had local Kaikoura crayfish – no-one could quite believe their eyes."
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