Pipi (Paphies australis)
A small, edible smooth-shelled bivalve. Pipis are very common and are gathered at low-tide from beaches around New Zealand.
Once gathered and shelled, pipi are then left to soak in a bucket of sea-water overnight - if this isn't done, you end up with sand all through your teeth when you eat them. Pipi need careful cooking, else they are as tough as the proverbial. The most common way to serve them, are as fritters.