Sea Urchin Kina in New Zealand

Do you eat Sea Urchin which is known for its name Kina in New Zealand. I like Kina since I was a child. I liked Salmon, Salmon Cavia, Tsuna, Travelly, Snapper, King fish sashimi and also Kina. It is called Uni in Japanese. Japanese people eat Kina and it is regarded as expensive Sushi Neta (means the topping or ingredient placed on top of sushi rice. )

Until recent, although I knew we can catch Kina in the Ocean/ Beach in Auckland, but wasn’t really ready to move my heavy bottom. I went to the Warehouse and bought a wetsuite, to avoid the cold water as an excuse not going to catch Kina and Snorkeling goglge and snorkeling, and fins at Rebel sports, which cost me about $150 for the wetsuite and another $150 for the snorkeling and find set, I think.

My second challge was to find a good location and ideally with clear water with no waves. I live in the East Auckland and hope I can find good location but with no luck I still cannot find a good location around the area. however, I gave a shot to find it in north shore, and I fonnd the perfect one. I cannot tell you here. Sorry.

The weather was on myside, and the water tempareture was quite cold but with my 3mm thick wetsuite, it worked well. I went under the water and I saw a kina heaven. Too many Kina to catch. So i just try to collet Kina and forgot the time as too I was into it too much with my heavy body and aching back. I was having so much fun that I completely lost track of time and collected sea urchins like an excited child.

I was a happy man after the sunday afternoon and exhasted. After went back home, i cracked Kina and carefully took out the edible part and put them on the just cooked short granied rice and pour vinegar to make Sushi Rice and pour soy sauce (Japanese Soy Sauce) for myslef to eat them. It taste a bit bitter but also sweet at the same time in my mouth and melted in my mouth.