The homestead’s owners and hosts, Mike and Antonia Radon, began their journey as Arapawa Seafarms in 2001. Starting with just four tanks in total, today they have over 200. Arapawa Seafarms was originally geared toward the cocktail-size paua meat industry, claiming their first sale in 2003. Since then, Arapawa Seafarms has shifted their focus and expanded their market to include growing paua for commercial re-seeding and paua “abalone” pearls. They are one of the most reputable “seed” suppliers in New Zealand and hope to gain a similar reputation in the pearling business. Their first major pearl harvest will be in 2010.

Extensive paua farm tours are available upon request. The cost is $10 per person. Depending on the time of year, it’s possible to see paua of all sizes, from dust-specs in a larval rearing tank to 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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How fast do paua grow?
A: They grow approximately 20mm per year.

Q: How long does it take to grow a legal sized paua?
A: On average, about 6 years.

Q: What do you feed them?
A: Mainly fishmeal pellets and Seaweed.

Q: Why are the shells so blue coloured on your farm?
A: Due to the lack of sunlight that they naturally receive in the sea. Wild paua’s that grow up in caves can have similar shell colouring for the same reason.

Q: What is re-seeding?
A: Re-seeding is where baby paua, referred to as “seed,” between 10mm and 20mm are placed back into the ocean in order to help re-stock the natural supply. We sell seed to the commercial paua diving industry by the hundred-thousand.