Arapawa Blue Pearls & Island Accommodation

Arapawa Blue Pearls & Island Accommodation We are a family-run pearl farm in the Marlborough Sounds, growing rare Blue Pearls over four years with care, patience, and respect for the sea.
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Sustainable aquaculture rooted in tradition. On your arrival we always provide transportation for yourself and people-in your group. As well as all your gear you have with you for your holiday, getaway with us at Arapawa Homestead.

08/06/2026

Day 5 of Pearl Month - The nucleus insertion ⬇️

After growing our pāua for 4 to 5 years, we can carefully insert a nucleus beneath the shell lining, the very beginning of the pearling journey.

From there, the pāua does the work itself. Over the years, it slowly builds layer upon layer of nacre and conchiolin over the nucleus. As these natural layers thicken and harden, they eventually form the pearl itself - strong, dense, and highly lustrous. ✨

👀 What many people don’t realise is that the original nucleus inserted at this stage won’t remain inside the final pearl forever.
Later in the pearling process, it will actually be removed and reused… something we’ll show you in a future episode.

This process takes years of patience, precision, and care… and this is only the beginning.

Comment “DISCOVER” if you’d like to learn more about our world of New Zealand pāua pearls.

Ready to dive deeper into our pearling process? ✨Every month has its gemstone: May belongs to the Emerald, July to the R...
07/06/2026

Ready to dive deeper into our pearling process? ✨

Every month has its gemstone: May belongs to the Emerald, July to the Ruby…and June belongs to the Pearl.

To celebrate this special month, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our pearl world through a special series of episodes.

This week is all about our pearling process - from inserting the nucleus, to harvesting the pearl, and preparing it before it is finally transformed into a timeless jewellery piece.

Get ready to discover the craftsmanship, precision, and patience behind every single pearl. 💙

Mike’s Life as a Diver 🌊Mike began diving for abalone in 1964, mastering the art of harvesting these ocean treasures. In...
07/06/2026

Mike’s Life as a Diver 🌊

Mike began diving for abalone in 1964, mastering the art of harvesting these ocean treasures.

In the 1980s, he expanded to sea urchin diving in Southern and Northern California.

Decades later, his passion for the ocean still drives him, inspiring future generations. 💙

06/06/2026

Some pearls are more than jewellery 💎

They become memories, heirlooms, and pieces passed down through generations.

Because every pāua pearl forms naturally with its own colours and patterns… no two are ever the same.

A pearl chosen today can last a lifetime. 🌊

Welcome to Day 4 of our Month of Pearl series.

06/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined my Live today! 💙

Today’s Live was a special one because it was my last Live on the farm this month, as we’re heading to Alaska soon for our annual fishing season! And yes, the whole family is going — Hayley included. This will be her first time, and we’re so excited for her!

✨ EXCLUSIVE JUNE BIRTHPEARL OFFERS ✨

To celebrate the Month of the Pearl and our beautiful June Birthpearls, we have some exclusive offers available today.

👇 Comment EXCLUSIVE below and I’ll send you the details.

Next weekend I’ll be checking in from Dillingham with an update on where we are, what the weather is doing, and what’s happening as we prepare for the upcoming season. I’ll also be sharing more about our pearls and answering any questions you have about colour, size, grading, and what makes each pearl so unique.

Thank you again for your support, your questions, and for being part of our Arapawa Blue Pearls family.

See you next weekend!
Antonia

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06/06/2026

Pearl sizes and more

05/06/2026

Arapawa Blue Pearls is one of the only farms in the world growing pāua pearls 🌊

Here in New Zealand, every pearl takes years of care, patience, and craftsmanship to create.

And because every pāua develops different natural colours and patterns… no two pearls are ever the same. 💎

Welcome to Day 3 of our Month of Pearl series.

Did you know that on certain days, you can spot seals near the path to our home on Arapaoa Island? 🦭That’s right, these ...
05/06/2026

Did you know that on certain days, you can spot seals near the path to our home on Arapaoa Island? 🦭

That’s right, these curious little adventurers sometimes hitch a ride on passing boats, adding a magical touch to our corner of paradise.

Who would have thought these adorable creatures would come by to say hello in such a unique way? 🌊

04/06/2026

We get this question a lot…

No, we don’t “find” pāua eggs in the ocean.
Everything starts in a controlled hatchery environment,
where fertilisation happens naturally.

From there → thousands of tiny larvae.
And a very long journey begins.

04/06/2026

Pāua is one of New Zealand’s most unique marine treasures 🇳🇿

Known for its incredible natural colours, this native abalone has been part of Māori culture for centuries.

And in rare cases… it can create stunning blue pearls. 💎

Welcome to Day 2 of our Month of Pearl series.

Address

Whekenui Bay Arapawa Island
Picton
7250

Telephone

+6421943395

Website

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