About

Barnes Wild Bluff Oysters is New Zealand’s definitive Bluff oyster company, supplying premium wild oysters season after season.

Founded in 1958 by oyster connoisseur Ernest Barnes, the company quickly became a trusted name among seafood lovers nationwide. Ernest’s innovation, industry knowledge and passion for quality helped shape the modern Bluff oyster industry.

From our base in Invercargill, we continue to honour that legacy today. Our purpose-built facility supplies top-quality Bluff oysters during the season, maintaining the standards that have defined the Barnes name for more than six decades.

Our fleet is owned by committed shareholders who collectively hold approximately 60 percent of the total Bluff oyster fishery quota. We also process oysters on behalf of other quota owners, representing a further six percent of the fishery.

Our Shareholders

  • Independent Fisheries Ltd

  • Mountfort Fishing Company Ltd

  • Sanfords Ltd

  • Skeggs Bluff Oysters Ltd

  • United Fisheries Ltd

  • Rita-Kay Fishing Ltd

Ernest Barnes (1896–1969)

Ernest Barnes was born in Timaru in 1896 and began working on the oyster beds after leaving school, sparking a lifelong involvement with the industry.

Known for his curiosity and innovation, Ernest explored the nutritional value of oysters early on. As preservation and transport improved, his focus shifted to canned and fresh oysters, helping expand access to Bluff oysters across New Zealand.

In 1958, Ernest moved to Invercargill and established Barnes Oysters Ltd. His commitment to quality and respect for the fishery continue to guide the business today.

Southern Waters

Located at the southern tip of the South Island, Bluff is renowned for its oysters and rich maritime history. Just 20 minutes from Invercargill, it is New Zealand’s oldest permanent European settlement and home to around 2,000 residents.

Bluff Harbour is the gateway to Rakiura Stewart Island and a key departure point for Antarctic voyages. The Port of Bluff has operated since 1877 and remains an important part of New Zealand’s export economy.

Bluff Hill’s coastal walks, the iconic Stirling Point signpost marking the start of State Highway 1, and the annual Bluff Oyster and Southland Seafood Festival draw visitors from around the country.

Our Fleet

Our fleet consists of eight vessels, each approximately 20 metres in length, many with decades of history in the Bluff oyster fishery.

Crews operate in challenging conditions, navigating strong tides and variable weather in Foveaux Strait. Safety, experience and local knowledge are essential, and all skippers and crew are highly trained in both oystering and maritime safety.

Oysters are harvested from established beds and hand sorted on board. Any undersized oysters are returned immediately to the seabed before vessels return to Bluff for processing.