An impassioned plea from Kaikoura retailers for tourists to return to their beloved seaside town.

Yesterday, transport minister Simon Bridges reopened State Highway 1 south of Kaikoura for the first time since last month's earthquake in Waiau.

That's being seen as an early Christmas present for local retailers desperate to see the tourism dollar return to the township.

Retail assistant Vanessa Norton Sadler said businesses are ready and waiting.

She said people can swim with seals and dolphins, and despite the road damage, there are plenty of activities for tourists to enjoy in Kaikoura.

For Sadler, the news yesterday means she can see her father, Brian, in Oaro for the first time since the quakes.

She said the reopening of the highway will be a big blessing for her dad.

"Because it's just me and my dad, he's been stuck down there for five weeks as well, and he has to travel 50 minutes from Cheviot to get groceries. It's sometimes even further to Amberley because in Cheviot they've only got the Four Square.

"I've been living out of my bag, so I'll be able to go home and have all of my clothes and my own bed. I've been staying with friends up in Kaikoura, so it'll be good to see my dad again."