Find out more about the small fish with the big reputation.
The Hokitika Museum's gallery will feature the exhibition WHITEBAIT! The story of New Zealand’s favourite fish, a must-see experience about whitebait and its importance to the West Coast.
Explore the world of whitebait, the people who catch them and the unique culture that has developed around it through stories, photos, videos and recipes.
Whitebait are the tiny transparent young of some of New Zealand’s native fish which belong to the Galaxiidae family (named after the Milky Way galaxy). Hatching in fresh water, they are swept out to sea where they spend several months before returning to the rivers in spring. No-one knows exactly where they go and how they choose which river to come back to.
Catching whitebait is something that West Coasters are passionate about and the process has been described as more addictive than searching for gold. The 50mm long fish are prized throughout New Zealand as a delicacy — mysterious, addictive and delicious!
Whitebait can only be caught in season, which runs from mid-August until late November. Throughout Rugby World Cup 2011 restaurants and eateries from the top to the bottom of the West Coast will be presenting special menus in The Great West Coast Whitebait Challenge — make sure you try the famous New Zealand whitebait pattie.
Hokitika Museum is a regional museum located in the heart of Westland and housed in the historic Carnegie Building in Hokitika. Entry to the museum is FREE while the exhibition is on.
Where:
Hokitika Museum, Corner of Tancred & Hamilton Streets, Hokitika, West Coast
When:
9 September — 14 November, 2011.
Open 9.30am — 5pm daily.
