Everything I ate at the Bluff Oyster Festival 2026
I headed down to the southernmost town in mainland NZ in May for the Bluff Oyster Festival and it was a seafood feast! The festival seemed really popular with locals and tourists (domestic and international) and I can definitely see why. Apart from food stalls, there were performances and competitions scheduled all day. The energy was high, and people were having a good time despite the cold.
everything I ate:
🦪 fresh bluff oysters ($23 for 6) - the oysters are on the smaller end imo but they were definitely fresh and not too briny
🐟 salmon nibbles ($5) - this was crispy and perfectly salty, super value for money option
🦞half crayfish ($35) - juicy, buttery, I wish I bought the whole thing
🐡 kina (sea urchin) ($10) - sweet and creamy, but an acquired taste. a stranger passed me half of hers because she didn't like it 😬
🐚paua (abalone) sashimi ($15) - honestly not a strong taste in my opinion but the texture was good, not too rubbery
🍘 blue cod dip with crackers ($14) - underrated option for sure. the dip was rich and creamy, with bits of fish that provided good texture. I bought more crackers from the supermarket to finish up every last bit of the dip
🦪 battered oysters ($15 for 3) - these were fine but so tiny 😭😭😭 wouldn't get these again because the portion size was really disappointing
🥧 garlic prawn savoury ($7.50) - I got this at the start to have some hot food before all the raw seafood. the taste is alright, nothing to shout about, but the portion is pretty tiny for the price. also wouldn't get this again
🍻 apple cider ($7) - much needed refreshment after all the food. tastes just as you expect apple cider to.
overall, I had a great time at the festival and I would definitely recommend it if you happen to be in New Zealand's south island in May!
Attending the Bluff Oyster Festival is truly a unique experience, especially for seafood enthusiasts like myself. Beyond just tasting the freshest oysters and iconic New Zealand seafood, the festival offers an atmosphere filled with excitement and community spirit. One year I went, I was amazed by the friendly locals who were eager to share tips on the best dishes and even passed on some of their favorite foods, such as the sweet and creamy kina (sea urchin), which took me a while to get used to but eventually grew on me. What really stood out to me was the variety of seafood beyond just oysters. The crayfish, buttery and juicy, was my personal favorite—I even regretted not ordering a whole one! The blue cod dip with crackers was surprisingly delicious, rich with flavor and perfect as a snack while exploring the festival stalls. I learned that the freshness here is unmatched because Bluff is renowned for its pristine waters, delivering seafood that is both flavorful and sustainable. Apart from savoring the food, the festival’s other attractions, such as oyster shucking demonstrations and oyster eating competitions, added to the interactive fun. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Kiwi culture and get a sense of the community’s deep connection to the sea. For those concerned about weather, while it can be chilly in May, the vibrant energy and the plethora of warm offerings like garlic prawn savoury and apple cider perfectly balance the experience. If you’re planning a visit, it’s wise to bring some extra cash because the food portions, while high quality, can vary in size—especially with items like the battered oysters, which are tiny and perhaps more of a novelty. Also, packing comfortable shoes and dressing warmly will help you enjoy the day to the fullest. Overall, the Bluff Oyster Festival is an unforgettable culinary adventure that combines outstanding seafood, lively entertainment, and the welcoming spirit of New Zealand’s southernmost community. It's an event I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone travelling to the South Island in May, whether you’re a seafood connoisseur or simply looking for a fun and delicious day out.
