Feed the Eels in Collingwood – A Fun Day Out!
Collingwood, Golden Bay, New Zealand
Feeding the Eels in Collingwood
If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Golden Bay, head to Collingwood and try your hand at feeding the eels. It’s a quirky, uniquely Kiwi experience that’s fun for the whole family—and it won’t break the bank!
Meet New Zealand’s Longfin Eels
The eels you’ll meet here are New Zealand longfin eels, an incredible native species that can live for over 60 years and grow to more than 2 metres in length. Māori traditionally view them as taonga (treasures), and seeing them up close gives you a real appreciation for their size, beauty, and importance to our ecosystems.
At the feeding spot in Collingwood, you’ll notice the eels gliding silently beneath the surface. As soon as food is dropped in, they gather together, swirling and weaving in a wriggly display that fascinates both kids and adults alike.
Fun for Everyone
Families love this little stop, as children get the thrill of tossing food into the water and watching the eels surface to grab it. But you don’t need little ones in tow—this is a fun and slightly unusual activity for anyone exploring Golden Bay. It’s safe, entertaining, and always sparks conversation afterwards.
Bring your camera too—the sight of the eels clustering together makes for some fascinating (and sometimes funny) photos!
Entry & Costs
One of the best things about this activity is how affordable it is:
$4 per adult
$1 per child
$2 for food to feed the eels
It’s a budget-friendly adventure that delivers a surprising amount of fun for such a small price.
📍Location & Hours
Finding the eels is easy once you know where to look! You’ll find the eels close to Collingwood township, making it an easy stop on your way to explore Farewell Spit, Wharariki Beach, or the northern end of Golden Bay.
Head towards Collingwood, and instead of turning right into the township, take a left at the bottom of the hill just past Zatori. Once you’ve made the turn, you’ll find the eel-feeding spot about 50 metres up the drive on the left-hand side.
🕘 Open 7 days a week, so you can drop in whenever you’re passing through.
Why You’ll Love It
A hands-on encounter with one of New Zealand’s most fascinating creatures
A chance to learn something new about the local environment and culture
Great entertainment for kids and adults alike
Memorable photos that capture the charm of Golden Bay’s quirky attractions
A quick, affordable stop that fits perfectly into any Golden Bay itinerary
Did You Know?
Longfin eels are unique to New Zealand and can live for over 60–100 years.
They make an incredible migration journey to Tonga to spawn—travelling thousands of kilometres!
After spawning, they die, and their young (called glass eels) return to NZ rivers to start the cycle again.
They are considered a taonga (treasure) by Māori and play an important role in traditional culture and stories.
Longfin eels are now classed as at risk/declining, making encounters like this even more special.