Farewell for Now: Wrapping up a magical Arapawa Blue Pearl Tour Season
Our last tour of the season brings time for reflection
As the last boat pulled away from the wharf, carrying the final group of guests across the calm waters of the Marlborough Sounds, our team stood together in quiet reflection. Another season of pearl farm tours had officially come to a close—and what a season it was! From laughter-filled mornings and sunlit walks along the shore, this year’s tours brought us unforgettable moments, diverse travellers, and heartwarming reunions.
This year’s closing chapter was marked by a wonderful mix of visitors from the USA, Australia and Canada - curious explorers, mabe pearl lovers and those seeking a taste of New Zealand’s remote beauty. Our first group welcomed 28 bright-eyed guests, while the last group was a more intimate crew of 12. Among them, a lovely couple from Texas returned for their second visit, reminding us of the deep connection many people form with this special place. Their return was a beautiful, full-circle moment that made us smile all day.
A tour experience like no other
Our aim for every paua farm tour is simple - that everyone has a great time and leaves with a smile.
Each of our pearl farm tours begins with a warm welcome and morning tea at the main house. Our director, Antonia Radon, treats guests to beautiful home baking. It’s the perfect start to the day: relaxed, delicious, and full of anticipation. After tea we share our story through a short, informative video that highlights our history, our mabe pearl cultivation process, and the sustainable practices that guide everything we do.
From there, guests are guided through our paua aquaculture farm by Jacob Radon, the leader of the paua stock. His deep knowledge and passion bring the science and magic of our work to life. The tour finishes at our boutique island shop, where stunning New Zealand-made jewellery by local jeweller Corey Broughton is on display and available for purchase. It’s a full-circle journey from ocean to mabe pearl to handcrafted beauty, and one that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.
The Magic of Meeting people from around the world
Meeting amazing people is the best part of every farm visit.
One of the most enriching parts of hosting pearl farm tours is the variety of people we meet. Each visitor brings with them a unique perspective, story and curiosity about our process. Some arrive already fascinated by the rare beauty of Arapawa Blue Pearls, while others are simply intrigued by the idea of visiting a remote island and discovering how something so precious can grow inside a paua shell.
Over the course of the season, we shared countless cups of tea and coffee, told stories under the sun, and watched guests light up as they saw the bright blue paua mabe pearls. There's something universally captivating about witnessing nature’s creativity - no matter where our guests came from, that wonder was always the same.
One of the highlights of the season was finally welcoming The Pearl Girls, a wonderful group of guests from Georgia, USA. Their visit had been a few years in the making due to COVID in 2020. When they arrived, they brought with them an infectious enthusiasm and deep passion for pearls that truly lit up the island. Led by the lovely India Rows, their curiosity, joy and love for the craft made hosting them an absolute delight. We would welcome India and her group back anytime with open arms. If you’d like to read more about their visit and the special connection we shared, be sure to check out our other blog post dedicated to their journey.
We loved hosting The Pearl girls for their farm visit and Paua tour.
A team that shines like our Pearls
We couldn’t have done it without our crew's incredible teamwork and energy this season. Running pearl farm tours isn’t just about sharing knowledge - it’s about creating an experience. Our team went above and beyond, from preparing the home baking to guiding guests through the paua farm to answering every question carefully and enthusiastically.
We've been so lucky this season to welcome a wonderful new team member Hayley. From day one she's jumped in with such ease and energy, it feels like she's always been part of the family. Her enthusiasm has brought a fresh spark to every farm visit and we're thrilled to have her with us. A big shoutout also goes to Alex, Emma, Clara and Dylan "La crème de la crème!" Their hard work, positive energy and unique skills have been such a huge part of what makes our tours special. We are so grateful for the support and dedication each of them brings, we truly couldn't do it without you all.
It’s easy to underestimate what goes on behind the scenes, but this year especially, we saw every person step up. Whether it was helping guests walk to and from the homestead, organizing beautiful mabe pearl displays, or simply sharing stories about our farm, the love for what we do is present in every detail. We’re so proud of how well our team worked together – and we’re already dreaming up ways to make next season even better.
Heartfelt thanks to Beachcomber Cruises
Beachcomber cruises ensure that everyone safely arrives for farm visits and Paua pearl tours
We’d also like to extend a huge thanks to Beachcomber Cruises. Their support and reliability in transporting our guests to and from the island make these tours possible. Rain or shine, calm waters or breezy days, they delivered every time – helping us keep things running smoothly and allowing visitors to soak in the full experience of travelling to our farm by sea.
There is something timeless about the boat ride to our island. It’s not just a method of transport – it’s part of the adventure. The moment guests step onto the boat and the fresh sea air, the journey truly begins. We’re grateful to have Beachcomber Cruises as part of that story.
What’s next? A pause before more pearl magic
The Radons travel to Alaska every year to commercially fish for Salmon.
Now, with the season wrapped up, we take a short pause to breathe, reflect and prepare. Our pearl farm tours will return in October, and we’re already planning some new touches to enhance the experience. From deeper storytelling around our mabe pearl cultivation process to more intimate moments for visitors to connect with the land and sea, we’re always looking to grow just like our mabe cultured pearls – slowly, authentically and with care.
As we shift into the off-season of the pearl farm tours, the Radon family prepares for a change of scenery, heading to Dillingham, Alaska, where they spend the winter commercially fishing for salmon. It’s a tradition that has been carried on for over 25 years rooted in the same values that guide our work here: respect for the ocean, sustainable practices and the importance of family. Though half a world away, the waters of Alaska offer their own rhythm and reflection, and they return each spring to Arapawa refreshed and inspired.
While our pearl farm tours take a short break, we’ll still be sharing glimpses of island life and showcasing our beautiful jewellery collections online and through our social media channels. So, even if you can’t be with us in person just yet, a piece of Arapawa can still find its way to you.
From all of us at Arapawa Blue Pearls, thank you for an unforgettable season.
We can’t wait to share the next one with you.
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