The island’s delicious Te Matuku oysters will be the star of the show at the annual Oyster Festival this Saturday. The festival, held at Rangihoua Estate from midday, will celebrate these island delicacies alongside artisan food, wine, beer and live music.
Te Matuku’s Pacific oysters, prized by oyster lovers all over New Zealand, are farmed in the crystal clear waters of Te Matuku Bay marine reserve. They’ll be delivered fresh from the tide to be shucked at the festival, ready for cooking in a variety of ways by some of the country’s top chefs, or savoured au naturel.
Chefs Julie Biuso and Paulie Hooton will be on hand with cooking demonstrations and foodies will delight in the array of gourmet morsels on offer from Waiheke’s artisan food providers.
A ‘Master Chef competition’ on the day will also see three participants given 10 minutes to produce an oyster dish from a mystery box of ingredients. Prizes for the winner include dinner for two at The Oyster Inn
and a sack of live oysters.
Passage Rock and Batch Winery will be on hand to provide the perfect wine to savour with succulent oysters. Beer lovers won’t miss out either, with great craft brews from Waiheke’s Alibi Brewing Company at the freshly opened Tantalus Estate.
Bands Rook and DragonFly will keep the festival mood flowing all day in the lush and laid-back setting of Rangihoua Estate.
Buy your $45 festival ticket directly through Te Matuku at www.tematukuoysters.co.nz or email info@tematukuoysters.co.nz
Tickets include your first three oysters, a festival glass and your first wine or beer.
For off-islanders there is an $80 Fullers Festival Package which includes festival, ferry and bus tickets, available from www.fullers.co.nz. •
