Golden bay at the top of New Zealand’s South Island is a hidden gem accessible only by a windy road over a steep hill. Here Clarke discovers they have a native shellfish lauded for its flavour but not its appearance that only grows in a few places around the world. Called a Geoduck but pronounced ‘Gooeyduck’ these creatures live a metre or more under the mud but can extend a huge breathing hose all the way up to the surface. Golden Bay is also home to some of the clearest fresh water in the world, and it’s the story of water that Clarke follows, examining its quality as it filters down from the steep hills above. It soon becomes apparent how important it is to protect this resource for the benefit of everyone who lives here.
