The Cascade Whitebait Company had its beginnings in the mid 1940’s. With time has come development of buildings and machinery. Whitebait is now caught and chilled almost immediately. It is then packed and flown to Christchurch to reach the markets in the very best condition.

Fishermen erect their stands in late August ready for opening day on the 1st of September. Fishermen fish their stands come rain, wind or shine for six hours of the incoming tide before lifting their net and returning with their catch to the camp. The whitebait are quickly “sorted” before being chilled in drainer buckets to allow water to escape.
As soon as weather allows the whitebait are flown to the depot at Waiatoto, Haast. Canterbury weather is checked and any whitebait bought from fishermen caught on other Haast rivers are added before the plane is flown to the Christchurch retail outlet.

Orders can be made on this website or
phone Neville 03 3588863