King Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), also known as Chinook Salmon, is the rarest and most prized salmon species in the world. A Pacific salmon and part of the Trout family, it is not to be confused with Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), which is an entirely different genus. Known for its marbled fat, rich natural oils, and a depth of flavour unlike any other salmon - it is the perfect choice for chefs seeking perfection.
Notoriously shy and fussy, our fish require careful tending and plenty of space to grow, but reward us with richly marbled flesh and exquisite flavour. Rare, unhurried, and entirely worth the wait.
We acknowledge the Winnemem Wintu people as the traditional guardians of the Nur (King or Chinook Salmon) that we farm.
Not native to New Zealand, our King Salmon were introduced from hatchery stock in the late 1800's from the Winnemem Waywaket (McCloud River) in California, the Winnemem Wintu's ancestral territory.
Akaroa King Salmon is one of the most nutritious products on the planet. Rich in long chain Omega 3 — these (EPA and DHA) are the ones responsible for improving heart health, lowering the risk of macular degeneration and a myriad of benefits for brain development. High in Selenium, Vitamins A and D, our King Salmon also has a low carbon footprint making this a fantastic choice for our diets.
"As a chef, I've been using Akaroa Salmon for so long I can't remember when I started. It's simply the best salmon in New Zealand, and something us Kiwis can be incredibly proud of. The quality, flavour, and sustainability of Akaroa Salmon are unmatched, making it a staple in my kitchen." - Chef Simon Gault
We spawn our King Salmon in the alpine spring waters of our hatchery in Waiau, North Canterbury. After six months of raising these from egg to smolt, our salmon are ready to journey out into saltwater and we bring them to Akaroa Harbour.
Here we transfer them to sea for a further 16 months to mature naturally, without the use of artificial lights in the cold pure seawaters of the South Pacific. A slow growing natural way to raise the finest tasting King Salmon.
