Saturday 1 April 2006

Bluff Oysters

The Bluff oyster season just started last week with a lip smacking festival (www.bluffoysterfest.co.nz) last weekend which of course had to include oyster opening and eating contests. There has been numerous newspaper articles and TV reports about people slurping their prized Bluff oysters.

When I was in Auckland last week, I came across places selling 1 dozen of these fat succulent Bluff oysters for $110! That is almost $10 a piece. They better had included some pearls for that amount of money. It is outrageous but people still bought them or they wouldn't sell!

For those not from New Zeland or not familiar with New Zealand geography, Bluff is a small town at the south end of the South Island. It is located at the bottom of the South Island, in the province of Southland and is the 'Gateway to Stewart Island'. It is also the begining of State Highway 1.

When we first arrived in New Zealand, the oyster season had already started then. So all the hype ended before we arrived. Each time, we passed by a sea food shop, we saw them selling Bluff oysters. And each time we asked ourselves, why would anyone in their right mind buy bluff oysters when you can buy real ones for the same price. Then one day, when I related this to my office colleagues, everyone had a good laugh. Then we realised why they were called Bluff Oysters.

This year, we are going to sample some of these reknowned oysters before the end of the season. Some call it the finest in the world but we are determined to buy them at down to earth prices.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

You mean they are for real?

Anonymous said...

They are the best and better than pacific oysters anytime. Oh...they won't be cheap but it's worth it.

Helen Leggatt said...

They are scrummy and sooo much nicer than mountain oysters!! hehe

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much Shagen for so honestly sharing your Welly experience with us. Your blog has proven to be very useful for us would-be migrants from Southeast Asia. Thank you again!

We are planning a recce trip to Welly this June. Considering the winter season (of which we tropical creatures have never experienced), what do you think we (with 2 kids) should prepare to brave the cold while travelling in the outdoors? Is it too cold even to do any outdoor activites?

Can I also pm you so that we can write in more details?

The Ganasons said...

Hi Boonkien. Sure drop me a PM on the forum.

Anonymous said...

Just had some and the missus wants more! They are the best! Go for it mate!

Anonymous said...

>Hi Boonkien. Sure drop me a PM on the forum.

Hi Shagen, which forum are you refering to? I didn't find you in move2nz forum.

The Ganasons said...

I thought you were referring to the emigratenz forum. You can email me at (shagen at apelodge dot com). Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Shagen,

I've heard abt your blog from the move2nz forum and i finished everything over 2 days.

your daughter is really adorable in that newspapers photo.

it's fun reading your blog. keep them coming! : )

Anonymous said...

how do i buy them from aussie

Anonymous said...

bluff oyster is limited to NZ only as the quantity produced each year is limited. you cant get it anywhere but NZ. however if you want some then email me tradewitheveryone@hotmail.com i might be able to hook you up for some.