Kaikoura's local community are this morning remembering the major earthquake that hit them this time last year.

A dawn service is being led by Runanga o Kaikoura at the restored Kaikoura South Bay Marina, ahead of the official opening of the harbour around midday.

Civil Defence Minister, Kris Faafoi is standing alongside locals remembering the quake and the havoc it wreaked on their community.

"[This is] a chance for the community to reflect over the last twelve months. It's been difficult, but I think the opening of the marina and, on the horizon with the road opening that they'll be looking forward to getting back to normal."

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake saw communities cut off by major slips and lifted the sea beds two metres, rendering the harbour unusable at low tide.

Over the last year the harbour has been reconstructed and will be re-opened at 12:30pm by the Council, National Recovery Office, and Faafoi.

He said this is a particularly significant milestone for local businesses.

"For the community, the opening of the marina means that the iconic whale watch boasts can get back out and ply their trade. I think all the locals are looking forward to more tourism coming into their region because it's been a pretty tough 12 months."

Minister Responsible for the Earthquake Commission, Megan Woods will also attend the opening in Kaikoura as part of one-year-on anniversary.

"It is a significant milestone for Kaikoura, a really important one and a big part of it is coming back from a pretty horrific year. The next big milestone will be the road north in around a month

Woods said she'll be talking today to people who're still trying to sort out insurance claims following the 7.8 earthquake that devastated the region last year.

"I'm really interested in different process reviews for assessing claims in Kaikoura than Christchurch. I'm really dedicated to making sure we properly assess how this has played out for people and their real lives."