Diamantina, I saw you posted just a while back about Bluff oysters coming into season. Do you know if there is anywhere in Queenstown where they can be found. We will be there in a few days, thanks for any insight.

Sorry, I don't know exactly where you will find them, but I assume Rata will have them as a special, maybe Amisfield will incorporate them into the menu. They're an obsession down here. I just had a look at TA reviews for Rata and many reviewers mentioned the lovely Bluff oysters they had, though one patron complained how the restaurant had sold out of them and they had to look enviously at the last oysters being consumed by diners at the adjacent table. Supermarkets and fish stores might carry them and at less than half of what you'll pay in the restaurants. These should be stamped with a date (can't remember if it's the date they were packed or a sell-by date). They are graded, first or second grade. I like them, but they need to be super-fresh (when they taste sweet), otherwise they go a little metallic-tasting (just my opinion). But I might be a little too picky. Prior to moving to NZ, we lived in Marin County, California, where there were several oyster farms. After a hike in Pt. Reyes National Seashore, we'd often go to an oyster farm to buy super fresh oysters or a restaurant serving freshly shucked barbecued oysters, but these oysters were a different variety, Pacific and/or Kumamoto. The Bluff oysters are altogether different, not the very best oysters I've had, but worth trying for sure (if you like oysters and you're in NZ).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/ind...ter-what-price

I should add the South Island's most beloved fish is the blue cod. You might want to try this as well. It'll be best in the coastal areas, but if you're not going there, it's still worth a try. It's also a favorite of our Yellow Eyed Penguins.

Ok, thanks for the info. I will check with the hosts at our B&B also.

Putting in a bid for blue cod as I am not an oyster fan. Fresh blue cod is like eating fish 'butter' (not as awful as it sounds!) so soft, moist and rich. Lots of yummy food in Queenstown and try the chocolate boutiques. One is by Fergburger if you need a burger fix!

Brenda,
If you are still in Queenstown, we had Bluff oysters last night at True South restaurant in The Rees Hotel. They were delicious!
BTW, the restaurant is quite good as is the hotel.

Nntexas, yes, we are still in Queenstown, but this is our last night as we fly home tomorrow. We had Fishbone referred to us as a place to get Bluff oysters, so we went there tonight and got a half dozen of raw oysters. Unfortunately, we were not impressed with them, thought they seemed to have a fishy flavor as opposed to the fresh flavor we are used to for oysters back in the Maryland/Virginia areas. Possibly this restaurant was not the best of options for ordering them. However, we both enjoyed the alpine salmon and sole meals we ordered. So glad you were happy with your oysters, nothing better when they are good! Thanks so much for thinking of me. Safe travels.