Pearl Tours

Bucket-list travel in our changing world is all about deep connection, extraordinary experiences, and even better, making our planet a better place to live in.  Pearl Tours not only have all of that, but will also teach you the secrets behind the exotic and unique blue pearls you find in our exquisite jewellery.

Even more special is that this adventure has options that adjust to all ages and fitness levels, for solo travellers and group excursions. Truly unique, you will see with your own eyes the experience, the innovation, and the dedicated custodianship of the team at Arapawa Blue Pearls. The chance to learn first-hand why these gems are unique, with such a passionate story behind them, is beyond compare.

Be prepared to be enthralled by the extraordinary natural wonders of New Zealand, to learn about the regeneration and sustainability of Paua farming, and be tempted by the beautiful jewellery, in such a special location. There is a Pearl Tour created especially for you. 

At Arapawa Blue Pearls we know that nothing makes a holiday more memorable than doing something you never dreamed possible. Once you have relaxed and discovered the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, join one of our unique pearl tours, or allow us to design a bespoke tour for your group. Let us unveil to you one of the best-kept secrets in the jewellery world: New Zealand Abalone-Paua pearls. Learn first-hand how we produce the finest, most beautiful rare pearls in the world.

Meet the Radon family, the passionate force behind this farm, custodians of the Abalone Paua, and world leaders in creating such enlightening Paua Pearl Tours for our visitors.

Be Amazed as you Experience Our Exclusive Discovery Paua Pearls Tours

All the Arapawa Blue Pearls farms are land-based, and this is how the Radon family curates the best conditions for growing the Abalone Paua. Enjoy a truly unique world experience in the most stunning surroundings, deep in the blues and greens of the New Zealand land and seascapes.

Enjoy 90 minutes with us and learn how our beautiful paua produces the extraordinary Arapawa Blue Pearls

- Duration: 90 minutes
- Catering: morning or afternoon tea 
- Suitable for everyone from 4 to 100 years – or more!
- Land-based tour

You will learn directly from the growers how we produce Abalone-Paua made pearls at our land-based farm at Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. 

Introductory Tour
As you take a short, leisurely walk towards the homestead, imagine the mystery and magic of the pohutukawa grove, and picture the things it has seen and the secrets it has held for over 100 years. This small excursion around our farm is low impact and a comfortable stroll.

Welcome Drinks
Relax over an Arapawa Blue Pearls-style cup of tea; let our talented culinary team provide some delicious home baking and hot or cold drinks for your liking.

Marlborough Sounds Postcard Lovers’ Views
At your leisure, take in the breath-taking surroundings of Whekenui Bay and its panorama outlook towards the entrance into Cook Strait. Feel the breeze from the sea, and breathe in pure clear air and the timeless beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. As you relax into the rhythm of this unique island, you will find yourself willingly submerged and embraced by the energy of the natural world.

Pearl Farming Introduction
You will learn about the history of Abalone-Paua pearling in New Zealand, the Paua life cycle, the process of growing the Paua pearls, and how we work together as a family. We will share the essential elements of our grading process, pearl care and we will explain what makes the unique Abalone-Paua pearl so highly sought-after. This step of the tour programme includes an 8-minute video, and our first Q & A session.

Paua Farm Visit
A privilege like no other! You will see adult-sized Paua living in special tanks with our tipper bucket invention on display. Our home made system gives the abalone a wave action like they have in the sea! Prepare for a wet environment and the occasional surprise splashing. You could even get a chance to see a presentation of tiny baby Paua into our hatchery(seasonal). Learn how we keep a zero rate of mortality for the paua we grow in comparison with the extremely low survival rate of the abalone in the wild. This issue is the core of the paua regeneration program we are so proud to support in New Zealand. Second Q & A session.

Arapawa Eels
Finally, be amused and intrigued by our pet longfin eels – guests of all ages enjoy this exciting encounter.

$65 per person for casual visitors - book directly with us. (Private transport only)
Additional $20 per person to be treated to some Paua tasting (pan-fried in oil with seasonings)- Delicious!

$30 per person for this tour, if you are already staying in our accommodation.

Or you can enquire through our contact page.

Spend half day with us and learn step by step how a happy paua produces the extraordinary Arapawa Blue Pearls. 

- Duration: 4 hours (including the 50 minute boat ride) 2 hours 30 minutes if you're already staying with us
- Catering: Morning tea and light lunch
- Suitable for everyone from 7 to 100 years – or more!
- Bonus: a detailed session of our paua-pearls grading process

In this luxurious four-hour interactive experience, you will learn directly from the growers how the sustainably farmed Abalone Paua mabe pearls thrive at our land-based farm at Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand.

Introductory Tour
As you take a short, leisurely walk towards the homestead, imagine the mystery and magic of the pohutukawa grove, and picture the things it has seen and the secrets it has held for over 100 years. This small excursion around our farm is low impact and a comfortable stroll.

Welcome Drinks
Relax over an Arapawa Blue Pearls-style cup of tea; let our talented culinary team provide some delicious home baking and hot or cold drinks for your liking.

Marlborough Sounds Postcard Lovers’ Views
At your leisure, take in the breath-taking surroundings of Whekenui Bay and its panorama outlook towards the entrance into Cook Strait. Feel the breeze from the sea, and breathe in pure clear air and the timeless beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. As you relax into the rhythm of this unique island, you will find yourself willingly submerged and embraced by the energy of the natural world.  

Paua Pearl Farming Introduction
You will learn about the history of Abalone-Paua pearling in New Zealand, the Paua life cycle, the process of growing the Paua pearls, and how we work together as a family. This step of the tour programme includes an 8-minute video, and our first Q & A session.

Paua Pearl Grading Process
We will share with you the elements of our specially designed pearl grading process, and what makes the unique Abalone-Paua pearl so highly sought-after. Learn about the pearl virtues, and best pearl care tips, and get an exciting understanding of the marvellous colour repertoire displayed by the Arapawa Blue Pearls. Second Q & A session.

Pearl Jewellery Party
Visit our vintage unique pearl shop where we display a curated selection of the most beautiful Arapawa Blue Pearls jewellery. These gems are set in unique designs of either 9 or 18kt gold or sterling silver. We are proud to work with local master jewellers from our Marlborough Sounds community, and many of the designs are inspired by the gorgeous creatures and life of the island and the sea. Our fabulous pearls are set into pendants, rings, bracelets, brooches, earrings, cufflinks, and even belly rings; marvel at the range of gifts for your loved ones or be tempted by a treat for yourself.

Paua Farm Visit
A privilege like no other! You will see adult-sized Paua living in special tanks with our tipper bucket invention on display. Our home made system gives the abalone a wave action as they have in the sea! Prepare for a wet environment and the occasional surprise splashing. You could even get a chance to see a presentation of tiny baby Paua in our hatchery. Learn how we keep a zero rate of mortality for the paua we grow in comparison with the extremely low survival rate of the abalone in the wild. This issue is the core of the paua regeneration program we are so proud to support in New Zealand. Third Q & A session.

Arapawa Eels
Finally, be amused and intrigued by our pet longfin eels – guests of all ages enjoy this exciting encounter.

Arapawa-Style Light Lunch
Finish your visit with a delicious degustation lunch at your leisure, sampling the delicacies from our local providers.

$120 per person for casual visitors - book directly with us. (Private transport only)

$60 per person for this tour, if you are already staying in our accommodation.

Or you can enquire through our contact page.

Special tours by appointment only. Contact us today!

No matter how many years young or mature you happen to be, this bespoke tour can be tailored especially for you and your group.