Visit the Paua Pearl Farm at Whekenui Bay

Usually available by private charter only, this exclusive tour is now available for you to join! Check in our booking calendar to see what dates we will have our Paua Pearl Farm Tour operating and come along.

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Depart Picton and cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, a myriad of waterways and tranquil bays whilst enjoying a commentary from your friendly skipper and guide. Our destination, approximately one hour by boat, is Whekenui Bay on Arapawa Island, a small island of 75km² (29 square miles) flanked by Queen Charlotte Sound, Tory Channel and the Cook Strait. From the late 1820’s until the mid 1960’s Arapawa Island was a whaling base in the Marlborough Sounds.

The whaling industry has long since been abandoned, and has given way to salmon and mussel farms which we will pass as we travel to Whekenui Bay, home to the Radon family.

On arrival you will be greeted by Mike and Antonia Radon, the owners of Arapawa Seafarms, where the unique Blue Pearl or Paua Pearls are grown.

Venture up to the Radon homestead, where you will be served light refreshments, They will personally guide you on a tour of the farm, which is not only a place of work but also their home. Discover how the Blue Pearl came to be and see how they are produced. Depending on the time of year, it’s possible to see paua of all sizes, from dust-specs in a larval rearing tank to full size paua with pearl inserts. Don’t miss this opportunity to glimpse a unique part of New Zealand marine life and spend time with experts in the paua industry.

Once you have finished your tour, view the rare and exclusive pearls in custom hand made jewellery, the only place in the world where you can buy these unique pearls.

4 hour duration

Pricing $270.00 per person

*This tour requires minimum 4 guests to operate

*Please note that tour times may differ, you will be notified if the time needs to change due to cruise ship arrival/departure.

*This tour is subject to a minimum number requirement, our reservations team will let you know if this has not been met.

• Cruise via salmon and mussel farms.
• Discover how the Blue Pearl came to be and see how they are produced.
• Served light refreshments with views from the homestead.
• View the rare and exclusive pearls in custom-made jewellery.