Stay
Accommodation
Three private kiwi-bach stays on 700 acres of remote island. Arrive by boat, water taxi, or helicopter.
- Beach House Sleeps 12 · From NZ$465/night
- Gunyah Sleeps 13 · From NZ$405/night
- School House Sleeps 6 · From NZ$260/night
Visit
Pearl Tours
Walk New Zealand's only land-based pāua pearl farm with the family who built it. Part science, part craft, entirely unlike anything else in the world.
Explore tours
Guided experiences
The pearl farm tour, unlike anything else in New Zealand
Get an inside look at how pāua pearls are grown, graded, and set by the Radon family, 30 years of craft on a remote island in the Marlborough Sounds.
Arrive by water taxi or boat
Scenic 45-minute journey through the Marlborough Sounds with Beachcomber Cruises from Picton.
Walk the seawater farm
See live pāua in the raceways fed by flowing ocean water, the only land-based pāua farm in New Zealand.
Pearl grading demonstration
Watch pearls assessed for lustre, orient, colour and surface quality by the Radon family.
Shop the farm collection
Buy direct from the source, the only place in the world to buy Arapawa pāua pearls at the farm.
Getting there
How to reach Arapaoa Island
The island is accessible by water taxi, private boat, or helicopter. We work exclusively with trusted local operators to make your journey seamless.
Water taxi
Beachcomber Cruises
Book exclusively through Beachcomber Cruises, departing from Picton. The most popular and scenic way to arrive on the island.
Mail Boat
Beachcomber Crusies
Take the Mail Boat Cruise and share the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the New Zealand Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home. Just tell them where you're getting off!
Helicopter
Helicopters Nelson
Scenic flights arranged exclusively through Helicopters Nelson, departing from Nelson Airport. The most dramatic way to arrive.
Private boat
Beachcomber Cruises
Arrive in your own vessel. Moorings are available on the island, contact us in advance to arrange.
Need help planning your arrival? Get in touch and we'll help arrange everything for you.