OUR STORY
The Ōhiwa Oyster Festival was created to celebrate something special — the start of the oyster harvest season in one of Aotearoa’s most beautiful coastal regions. It’s a time to enjoy fresh local flavours, reconnect with the land and sea, and come together as a community. Hosted by Tio Ōhiwa, a 100% Māori-owned oyster farm on the edge of Ōhiwa Harbour, the festival blends tradition, taste, and togetherness. With deep roots in the local environment and culture, we wanted to create an event that shares the magic of this place — and the oysters it produces — with others.
Now in its second year, the Ōhiwa Oyster Festival has quickly become a favourite for those who enjoy great food, good music, and authentic experiences. From freshly shucked oysters and wine pairings to cooking demonstrations, local markets and entertainment, there’s something here for anyone who appreciates quality and connection.
Whether you’re a long-time oyster lover or just looking for a great day out by the water — we’d love to welcome you to Ōhiwa.
Ōhiwa Harbour is a pristine tidal estuary, fed by freshwater streams and the clean Pacific Ocean – the perfect environment for cultivating world-class oysters. Ōhiwa oysters are known for their clean, crisp flavour, shaped by the unique marine ecology of the harbour and the tikanga Māori values at the heart of our farming practices.
At Tio Ōhiwa, our oysters aren’t just food – they’re a story of place, people, and purpose. Each one reflects our deep respect for the moana, our connection to the whenua, and our commitment to sustainability and manaakitanga.
The festival is our way of sharing that experience with you – from the ocean to your plate. And don’t worry – it’s not just us! You’ll also get the chance to taste oysters from other top growers across Aotearoa, so you can compare, contrast, and find your favourites.
WHY ŌHIWA OYSTERS?
LAST YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS
