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Experience a private tour of the Paua Pearl Farm at Whekenui Bay

Cruise Ship Day Special

Paua Pearl Farm Private Tour

A private cruise from Picton to Whekenui Bay to visit the paua pearl farm

Operates
Year Round
Check in time
15 mins before departure time
Departure time
On demand
Return trip pick up
Return to Picton
Duration
4 hours
Distance
Walk/Ride From/To
Approx. Walk/Ride time
Pricing & Bookings
From NZD
Adults
15+
Group of 1-4
$
1080
Child
5-14
$
Infants
0-4
$
Free

Plus $270 for each additional adult

Pricing is indicative only. Final pricing is determined at time of booking.

Please note there must be a minimum of 4 pax for this cruise to operate or pay the difference.

Private Charter

Currently Unavailable

This product is currently unavailable. Please contact us for more information.

Overview

Depart Picton and cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, a myriad of waterways and tranquil bays whilst enjoying a commentary from your friendly skipper and guide. Our destination, approximately one hour by boat, is Whekenui Bay on Arapawa Island, a small island of 75km² (29 square miles) flanked by Queen Charlotte Sound, Tory Channel and the Cook Strait. From the late 1820’s until the mid 1960’s Arapawa Island was a whaling base in the Marlborough Sounds. The whaling industry long since abandoned, has given way to salmon, mussel and oyster farms which we will pass as we travel to Whekenui Bay, home to the Radon family.

On arrival you will be greeted by Mike and Antonia Radon, the owners of Arapawa Seafarms, where the unique Blue Pearl or Paua Pearls are grown. They will personally guide you on a tour of the farm, which is not only a place of work but also their home. Discover how the Blue Pearl came to be and see how they are produced. Depending on the time of year, it’s possible to see paua of all sizes, from dust-specs in a larval rearing tank to full size paua with pearl inserts. Don’t miss this opportunity to glimpse a unique part of New Zealand marine life and spend time with experts in the paua industry. Tours takes approximately 1 hour.

Once you have finished your tour venture up to the Radon homestead, where you will be served light refreshments before heading back to Picton. Take the time to view the rare and exclusive pearls in custom made jewellery, the only place in the world where you can buy these unique pearls.

On board Facilities

To reduce environmental impact Beachcomber Cruises no longer use any single use cups on board any of our vessels. We have reusable souvenir keep cups available to purchase in the office prior to departure, we then provide complimentary tea and coffee to enjoy during the tour.

Highlights

  • Cruise via salmon and mussel farms.
  • Discover how the Blue Pearl came to be and see how they are produced.
  • Served light refreshments with views from the homestead.
  • View the rare and exclusive pearls in custom made jewellery.

Timetable

Please note

Add-ons

Route Map

Please Note:
Routes marked on the map are an indication only. The actual route taken may vary dependent on a variety of factors.
Map Pin A
Start of Queen Charlotte Track Walk/Bike
Map Pin B
End of Queen Charlotte Track Walk/Bike
Boat Cruise
Queen Charlotte Track Walk/Bike
Pricing & Bookings
From NZD
Adults
15+
Group of 1-4
$
1080
Child
5-14
$
Infants
0-4
$
Free

Plus $270 for each additional adult

Pricing is indicative only. Final pricing is determined at time of booking.

Please note there must be a minimum of 4 pax for this cruise to operate or pay the difference.

Private Charter

Currently Unavailable

This product is currently unavailable. Please contact us for more information.

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