So, I've read that, on any given beach tramp in NZ, one can dig down into the sand & somehow harvest dinner...

What am I looking or feeling for? Any particular time of day, year, or tide-time that would enhance success? How would I cook/prepare whatever it is I'm finding?

Thanks for any tips.

Pippies and cockles are two types of shellfish you might find.

If you're going to eat pippies, which are a sand-filter feeder, leave em in the bottom of a bucket of water for an hour or two before cooking, so they purge the sand inside. Reduces grit flavour.

http://seafoodindustry.co.nz/Default.aspx?id=1238&area=243

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/mataitai-shellfish-gathering/4

Pippies are searched for by standing in the edge of the surf zone, doing 'the twist' and finding them with your barefeet.

They make excellent bait as well.

Add some of that bright green sea-lettuce for a balanced and colourful meal ;)

sounds like a good crash diet plan :>

For a more balanced diet make sure you bring along the book "A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand" by Andrew Crowe, otherwise you probably WILL starve!