Discover the World’s Rarest Pearls in the Heart of the Sounds.
Learn more about Pāua, the New Zealand Abalone
Pāua, known internationally as abalone, is a unique marine mollusc found in the pristine waters of New Zealand. A type of sea snail from the Haliotis family, it is renowned for its vibrant, iridescent shell shimmering in rich blues, greens and purples. Native to New Zealand, pāua is considered one of the most beautiful abalones in the world.
Across the country, you’ll find jewellery crafted from pāua shell and restaurants serving it in delicious traditional dishes. While wild stocks are carefully managed for sustainability, some populations remain under pressure.
At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we run a sustainable pāua farm dedicated to cultivating some of the rarest pearls in the world, while helping support and reseed New Zealand’s coastline. Our pearl cultivation process is truly unique, and we honour the pāua by thoughtfully using every part.
Come and visit us to learn more.
A Sustainable Ocean Adventure for the Whole Family
Step inside the secret world of blue pearls. From our innovative 'tipper bucket' wave systems to the master craftsmanship of our jewellery, see how nature and family tradition create New Zealand's most exquisite ocean gems. Book your Discovery Tour today!
Discovery Pāua Pearl Foundation Tour
Our 90-minute pāua pearl farm tour on Arapaoa Island is the perfect introduction to the world of pāua pearls. Designed for families, first-time visitors and curious travellers, this experience takes you behind the scenes of our land-based farm, where we share our story, our passion, and our sustainable approach to pāua cultivation.
Enjoy warm island hospitality, morning or afternoon tea, engaging Q&A sessions, and a guided visit through our working pāua pearl farm. More than a tour, this pāua pearl farm tour feels like visiting friends — relaxed, personal, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of Arapaoa Island.
Discovery Pāua Pearls Luxury Tour
Our 150-minute Luxury Pāua Pearl Farm Tour offers a more immersive and unhurried journey into the world of pāua pearls on Arapaoa Island.
With extended behind-the-scenes access, including our processing room, deeper insight into our pearl grading process, additional Q&A sessions, and a signature pāua tasting, this experience allows you to go further.
Luxury Tour guests may also enjoy a personal one-on-one session with Antonia, founder of Arapawa Blue Pearls, to design and create their own pāua pearl jewellery.
You’ll enjoy refined hospitality while still feeling the warmth of our family home. This experience is designed for those who wish to take their time and explore more deeply, an experience guests often describe as visiting friends rather than joining a commercial tour.
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How to Reach Our Pāua Pearl Farm Tour on Arapaoa Island
Arrive by boat with Beachcomber Cruises
From left to right: The Mailboat, Picton Water Taxi, and the Lady Ann Luxury Yacht.
Our pāua pearl farm tour operates in partnership with Beachcomber Cruises, the preferred provider for reaching Arapaoa Island by sea. Your journey through the Marlborough Sounds becomes part of the experience itself, cruising past salmon and mussel farms before arriving at Arapaoa Island.
You may choose between several Beachcomber Cruises options:
- Mail Boat Experience: The only official New Zealand Post rural delivery service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound. Departing at 1:30pm, Monday to Saturday during summer (and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in winter), this unique cruise delivers mail to local residents while offering live skipper commentary, ever-changing daily routes, and the chance to spot seals, dolphins, and other marine wildlife on your way to our pāua pearl farm tour.
- Picton Water Taxi: Flexible, on-demand water transport operating 7 days a week, ideal for couples, hikers, bikers, and small groups visiting our pāua pearl farm tour.
- Lady Ann Luxury Yacht: Arrive in style aboard Lady Ann, a 17-metre luxury yacht with private skipper and crew, offering a seamless and personalised journey to Arapaoa Island.
All water transfers for our pāua pearl farm tour can be arranged directly through Beachcomber Cruises.
Beachcomber Cruises New Zealand
Website: https://www.beachcombercruises.co.nz/
Phone: +64 3 573 6175
Email: office@mailboat.co,nz
Video of a trip to our pāua pearl tour farm with the Lady Ann Yacht.
Arrive by Helicopter with Helicopter Nelson
Scenic views of the Marlborough Sounds and Arapaoa Island.
For a truly unforgettable arrival to your pāua pearl farm tour, we partner with Helicopters Nelson to offer scenic flights to Arapaoa Island.
Departing from Nelson, this approximately 60-minute flight showcases breathtaking aerial views of the Marlborough Sounds, dramatic coastlines, secluded bays, and the untouched beauty surrounding Arapaoa Island. Arriving by helicopter offers a spectacular panoramic perspective before stepping into the warmth of our family-run pāua pearl farm tour
All air transfers for our pāua pearl farm tour can be arranged directly through Helicopters Nelson.
Helicopters Nelson New Zealand
Website: https://www.helicoptersnelson.co.nz/
Phone: Pete Darling 027 5907985
Thomas Darling 027 7745827
Email:fly@helicoptersnelson.co.nz
Video of a trip to our Pāua Pearl Tour Farm with Helicopter Nelson
Discover Our Story
From sea urchin diver in California to sustainable pāua pearl farm owner on Arapaoa Island. Learn more about our story and our dedication and passion for the ocean.
Meet Our Team
Meet our beautiful family. As a proud family business based on Arapaoa Island, we share our knowledge and passion from one generation to the next. Also discover our talented jeweller and friend Corey, who brings the magic to life in his Blenheim workshop.
The Recipes From Our Pāua Pearl Farm Tour
Antonia’s baking skills are world famous, if you have been lucky enough to have already been on a pearl tour and want to know how she made it then take a look at our recipes page.
