They are common all around New Zealand and around the Chatham Islands. They are often found on silty sandbars or sandy beaches just inside harbour entrances, especially in areas where there is freshwater seepage. The species has a short siphon and does not burrow deeply.

The species is harvested year-round.

Maori harvesting pipi in the customary fashion often use flax baskets of a special design. The weave is open and allows smaller pipi to fall back on the bed as the gatherer swirls the basket through the water.

Pipi is a good source of Vitamin B12, Iron, Iodine, Manganese; and a source of Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Magnesium, Phosphorus

Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein. Many species are low in saturated fat and a number of them are a good source of Omega 3.