Pipi Hunting

Every year for the past four years or so, our family has been going to Peka Peka to hunt for pipi. In the first year about 14 of us made the trip, just family from all over that had gathered for Christmas, it was the funnest! Sadly, just under half of that made it this year.

We left the trip a little late in the season. We were reminded of our family members who have since jumped the ditch or are up north living their lives as normal. Still we tried to have fun as it was Asher's first trip where she could go in the water and have a splash around. So glad her uncle Rick was there to keep her head above water. They had an absolute blast!

At this point, we'd been at the beach for about an hour, we'd eaten our "sandy-wiches" (lots of sand filled eats) and made our way into the water (well all except myself, the designated photographer.)

Total pipi count 1 hour into trip = 0.

I think he had fun too. Mum even turned to me and quietly mentioned how he'll make such a good father. I totally agreed.


After a little time splashing in the waves, Ash decided it was time for a walk with mum and nan.

Total pipi count 1 1/2 hours into trip = still 0.

Unfortunately, work commitments held Eden back at home but thankfully my bestest mate Ree was able to come along and join in the fun. Here, Rick and Ree are trying out their best poses for this months cover of Sports Illustrated, Peka Peka style.

Total pipi count 1 3/4 hours into trip = an uninspiring 0.


Finally, I decide to dig my heels in and go find the little shell covered morsels we had traveled so far to find. I think the most we found collectively was like 3 pipi, a whole bunch of empty shells (as you do when you're at the beach) and a handful of those cockle things which even though we dont eat them, we still collected to make the stash look like more than it really was.


Our tiny bucket looked sad this year. Not only was our pipi hunting troop down in numbers but the pipi beds were completely covered by the high tide we failed to anticipate (helpful tip #1, check the tides before you go on pipi hunting expeditions.)

This years trip was so different from the others. We missed our family, our picnic got blasted by a sandstorm, our pipi hunting went out the window, and the approaching high tide about chased us off the beach. Our car got stuck in the sand thanks to my not heeding warnings given by Ree to move the car (helpful tip #2 when the water starts to move up the beach, it means the tide is coming IN and you NEED to move your car FAST!)

Actually, if I'm honest, each trip we make to Peka Peka is unique. We create memories every time, whether it be that one time we ate garlic prawns cooked on the camp stove or that Eden lost his wedding band in the big blue unforgiving ocean, or that Asher splashed around in her uncles arms. Each time is different but we'll probably keep making our way to this beach to keep what has turned into a tradition, going.

Total pipi count at end of hunt = 3 (but I already mentioned that)