Sunset image for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
EXPERIENCE

A place like no other in New Zealand!

You will disembark at Whekenui Bay, named by Māori for the legend of the giant octopus that the explorer Kupe fought on his voyages. Traces of occupation here go back further than the settlement of local iwi in 1828. From the 1820s to the mid-1960s Whekenui Bay was the centre of the whaling industry in the Marlborough Sounds. One of the founding members of the International Whaling Commission, New Zealand placed a moratorium on commercial whaling and the last whale was caught in these waters in 1964. Perano Head is named for Joseph August Perano, the intrepid fisherman and whaler, who founded the last whaling station in New Zealand here in the Tory Channel. As you view the Perano whaling station you will ponder the history of this young land with its very physical, adventurous, and enterprising past. In more recent history you can see the coastal fortifications from WWII, now a reminder of how, despite our remoteness, we are forever connected in the world.

Things to do

PEARL FARM TOUR
Back in the Bay, we can show you all the procedures that we have taken to present our Paua Pearl Farm. You can see what we have done in the past, what we are doing now, and where this might take us in the future. The tour takes 90 minutes. We have Paua Pearls of all colors and grades to show you. We will show you jewellery that can be purchased here both in Gold and Sterling Silver, made by local jewellers in Marlborough. You can choose a pearl and have your own piece of jewellery designed to your tastes. No job is too big or too small. We are the only hatchery in New Zealand who is spawning and releasing baby Paua, During the tour, learn how we spawn Paua and see the work that goes into our huge operation.

WE HAVE TWO TOURS:
The Foundation Tour $30 per person for this tour, if you are already staying in our accommodation.

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

WALKS
From a gentle walk to the whaling station (10 mins), or a longer ramble on the Loop track. This 5km walk takes you around the farm to the top of the island where you can take in the spectacular views of the outer sounds. If you are fortunate, you will even catch a glimpse of Mt Taranaki.

FISHING
If you enjoy fishing, you can fish off our wharf in the early morning or later in the day as these are the best times.

QUAD BIKE
We have a 4-wheeler side by side for hire ($80) subject to availability. A big attraction for the children is feeding the eels that live in our creek by the main house.

GUESTS
Weather permitting, helicopters can arrive on our beach to collect or drop off guests to stay. We can turn your special occasion or event into an unforgettable experience. It’s time to take this visit off your bucket list and put it in your diary. Magic memories will stay with you forever.

Our Experiences

Island life

Step into another world and enjoy our farming life, from the wildlife of the sea and air to the domestic farm animals on land. Watch for the mail boat visit, or gaze at the stars in an unpolluted sky. Seals, whales, dolphins, birds and stars – who could ask for anything more?

Water taxi transport for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Arapawa Island for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Kayaking for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Beach fishing for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ

Sea lovers

Go diving in the surging waters or relax on the private beach - with fishing, diving, swimming and sunbathing, you really can have the perfect sea-lovers holiday right here.

Adventure lovers

If getting out and about and enjoying an action-packed break is your choice, then you will satisfy all of those wishes when mountain biking, hiking, walking or cycling in this stunning setting. 

Arapawa Island for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Arapawa Island for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Paua pearl jewellery for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Paua blue pearls for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ

Pearl lovers

Join one of our exciting pearl tours, indulge in a little pearl shopping, or design your own jewellery using your individually selected, truly beautiful, sustainably produced pearls grown right here at Arapawa Blue Pearls.

Postcard view lovers

Guests who like to follow the ferry journey, from Arapaoa island you have 360-degree views. Indulge in your passion for photography or take one of the bespoke helicopter tours for unforgettable vistas of the magnificent Marlborough Sounds.

Helicopter transport for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Marlborough Sounds image for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Paua farm tours for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Paua cultivation for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ

Sustainability lovers

Deep in our consciousness is our sustainable and restorative practice, underlying every aspect of what we do. You will especially enjoy the eco-friendly experience of visiting the Abalone-Paua sanctuary.

Celebrations and events

Whether planning your proposal at our private beach with champagne or high tea, or honouring a special birthday at the main house, this is where magic happens and memories are made.

Sparkling wine image for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Catering for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Mike and Antonia Radon from Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ

Bespoke holidays

The possibilities are endless. Plan your family holidays, multigenerational holidays, honeymoon holidays, solo travel, disconnecting holidays, relaxation holidays, or even a workcation (working + vacation) – your privacy or your happy celebration is our absolute pleasure.

History

Learn about the adventurous history of the Arapaoa Island pioneers with references from Māori oral history, legends and artwork to the diaries recording Captain Cook’s observations when he visited this place.  We proudly share with you the school cottage, the old lighthouse keeper’s house (now our shop), and the Arapaoa Island lighthouse. Don’t miss the historic whaling station, Gunyah, or our WW2 gun emplacement.

Arapawa Island history for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Arapawa Island history for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Marlborough Sounds image for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ
Marlborough Sounds image for Arapawa Blue Pearls on Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds NZ

Discover Marlborough Sounds

From your secure base with us, venture further to explore the wonders and hidden jewels of the Marlborough Sounds. Match award-winning wines with freshly caught salmon, or simply listen to the birdsong with a picnic. Watch seals idly sunning themselves or take a cruise and explore further the unspoiled beauty of this wonderful place. You will wish you were staying so much longer, but you can always come back again!

Our Experiences

Are you interested in any of our experiences here at Arapaoa?
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