Excursion Paua pearl farm & marlborough sounds tour at Picton

Explore the blue pearl-farming industry from a unique perspective during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion to Arapawa Island.

Picton Marina, Marlborough Sounds, Whekenui Bay, Arapawa Island

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Picton Marina. Upon arrival, embark a boat for a scenic, approximately one-hour cruise through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, a myriad of waterways and tranquil bays, with commentary from your captain and guide. Your destination is Whekenui Bay, located on Arapawa Island. This small island, approximately 29 square miles (about 75 square kilometres) in size, is flanked by Queen Charlotte Sound, Tory Channel and the Cook Strait. From the late-1820s until the mid-1960s, Arapawa Island was a whaling base in the Marlborough Sounds. The whaling industry, long since abandoned, has given way to salmon, mussel and oyster farms. Pass by these farms en route to Whekenui Bay, home to the Radon family.

Arapawa Seafarms Tour and Homestead Visit, Blue Pearls, Cultivation Methods

Upon arrival at Whekenui Bay, you are greeted by Mike and Antonia Radon, the owners of Arapawa Seafarms, where the unique paua pearls (blue pearls) are grown. Join Mike and Antonia for a guided tour of their pearl farm, which is not only a place of work, but their home, too. During your tour, discover how the blue pearl came into existence and see how they are cultivated. 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-sized paua with pearl inserts.

Radon Homestead Visit, Light Refreshments, Blue Pearl Jewellery Viewing and Shopping

Following your tour of the Paua Pearl Farm, Mike and Antonia invite you to the Radon homestead. Upon arrival, relax and enjoy light refreshments, and view the rare and exclusive blue pearls in custom handmade jewellery; this is the only place in the world where you can purchase these unique pearls. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience a unique part of New Zealand marine life, and spend time with experts in the paua industry. At the conclusion of your visit, embark your boat and commence the approximately one-hour return ride to the Picton Marina.

Upon arrival, re-board your coach for the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Picton Marina, Marlborough Sounds, Whekenui Bay, Arapawa Island and Seafarms, Radon Homestead, Refreshments, Blue Pearl Jewellery Viewing and Shopping

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 metres), at times over uneven, natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat, and stairs at the Radon Homestead. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, a sweater or light jacket, and a camera from the ship. Guests must be at least 10 years old to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.