Matakana Oysters — Local services in Rodney

We came back to this oyster place as a family (it’s the only oyster spot we know in the area, and being the oyster fans we are, it’s become a habit whenever we’re in Matakana—even if their oysters are, shall we say, not exactly ocean-fresh). This time, though, it turned into quite the unexpected lesson for my young sons about how sometimes people can be as fresh as their oysters.

We paid $30 for a dozen oysters and $15 for a bowl of “oyster soup.” (In other places, we usually order 4 dozens of oysters). I asked the woman at the counter for a spoon. She snapped, “We don’t have any.” Okay, fine, we’re adaptable. But when we peeked inside the bowl, we found what looked like cloudy dishwater—no chunks, no visible oysters, just cloudy liquid. Before this, all the oyster soups I had were served with bread. So I figured maybe they’d forgotten the bread? So, I politely went back to the counter.

I waited until another customer finished paying, I asked if the soup came with bread. She rolled her eyes so hard I thought she might pass out. I tried again. “No!” she sneered, as though asking for a spoon and a bit of bread with $15 “soup” was outrageous.

Honestly, I hadn’t even expected bread—I just thought maybe they’d forgotten it. But that attitude? That condescending tone and “are-you-kidding-me” expression? It was enough to ruffle anyone’s feathers. So, I (calmly) mentioned my surprise that $15 only got us a bowl of water. She then turned to the kitchen, hollering, “Someone says our soup’s like water!” And out storms a furious man, who shoves me and makes it clear he’s ready to defend the soup. At that moment, I felt like they’d let loose the hounds.

I told him I’d call the police. He tried to grab my phone and shoved me hard enough to almost send me flying—all of this right in front of my poor, wide-eyed seven-year-old, who looked about ready to cry. It felt like a complete shakedown.

So, I slammed the soup down onto the counter. When that “guard dog” came at me again, we ended up in a brief scuffle before my wife pulled me away. The whole thing left my family shaken, especially my son, who now looked as though I’d taken him to the circus gone wrong.

On the way home, I explained to my son that while the world has some bright, kind people, it also has a few dark corners—and we don’t need to back down from them. But next time, we’ll be getting our oysters elsewhere. I hope this little story helps others know exactly what to expect from this...

5 May 2020 I only just saw the replied from Matakana Oysters. I am speechless about your replied, all untrue. Firstly, I did not push anyone to get ahead in the queue, that was only one other group while I was in the shop. I was standing there and they told me to go ahead as they weren't ready to order. As written below I asked politely if I can buy 6 oysters. ...... If the owner of the shop truely like to resolve this complain, I suggested to you please get the fact right, my complaint still valid and truth to the point.

Jan 2020 The most unfriendly and racists experience I have encounter with one of the staff member over the weekend. I was told to look at the counter what is for sale when I asked politely for half dozen of large oysters. On our way out I was talking to my partner about "what happened" in our car looking back into the stall and we were told to "F off". I would like to suggested the business owner to have a word with this particular staff who had grey short hair. Surely no one deserves to be treated this way! From a local resident who has been live and work in NZ for 33 years. By the way the oysters was...

A very easy to miss spot if you aren’t actively looking for it while heading into or out of the Tawharanui Marine Reserve for tourists. We were lucky our snorkelling instructor whispered into our ears about this place because it was so worth it.

The small shop sells fresh shucked oysters out of their oyster farm. They were so fresh and tasted of that clean and pristine NZD waters.

We decided on a dozen oysters as a snack for the two of us before heading into Matakana proper to find a more substantial lunch. They have bigger plates should you be more greedy. Hehe.

They have more than enough different garnishes for your oysters from spicy, sweet, salty, and other.

We settled into the little table underneath a few of the trees on the lot and just delighted in slurping up each oyster.

The oysters were medium sized and really sweet.

We really recommend stopping by here in you are in the...