Port Chalmers festival draws 5000 for kai moana

Jonathan Suckling (22) and Bailey Kench (22), of Dunedin, prepare to devour a bowl of steamed mussels. Photos: Gerard O'Brien

The sun was out and so was the seafood, as thousands indulged on delicacies from the ocean at the Port Chalmers Seafood Festival on Saturday.

The fragrance of whitebait fritters and freshly steamed mussels wafted across Port Otago as seagulls eager to nab a bite of bounty hovered overhead.

Many of the festival's 40 stalls had long queues of seafood lovers waiting to try their succulent wares.

Blue cod, whitebait, clams, mussels and crayfish were among the smorgasbord at the third biennial festival.

Festival committee chairman Justin Moore said organisers estimated up to 5000 people had attended.

"I think this is our biggest," he said.

"It was a really good day, good sales and a great turnout.

"It was excellent. We couldn't have asked for better."

Light winds did not stop families setting up spots to eat fish and chips along the wharf, while others enjoyed drinks while listening to Dunedin reggae band Ragged and, later, soul singer Hollie Smith.

A police alcohol checkpoint was in place in Port Chalmers, but police praised the responsibility of festival-goers as well as organisers for creating a "real family atmosphere".

"The festival was very well run," Senior Constable Stephen Tvrdeic said.

"There were no reported issues to police throughout the day.

"No drivers were processed for drink-driving leaving the event, and once again police have praised the public for their responsible behaviour around getting to and from the event."