If you’re considering a holiday in New Zealand’s magnificent Marlborough Sounds, look no further than Arapawa Homestead.
Located on Arapawa Island (18,500 acres) at the northern region of the South Island, Arapawa Homestead invites you to take a break, relax and enjoy the ever-changing views.
Enjoy 90 minutes with us on 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 Pearls. You will learn directly from the growers how we produce Abalone-Paua made pearls at our land-based farm at Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand.
Accommodation on Arapawa Island
Prices quoted in NZ$, subject to change
At Arapawa Island, there are three accommodation options to match your particular needs whether it be for a family holiday, a romantic getaway or a group reunion. The Arapawa lifestyle offers a glimpse of an old world New Zealand you will never forget. You won’t want to leave our little piece of paradise.
Access to the island is by boat or water taxi only.
GUNYAH
Refurbished in keeping with the original 1940s character, the homestead is a fully equipped, private and cosy home-away-from-home.
Gunyah sleeps up to 13 people and includes a fold-out bed and a cot for families with a younger child.
Tarrif | Gunyah – Arapawa Homestead Minimum stay 2 nights
Summer (October – May inclusive) – $365 up to 5 people | $22 per night each additional person.
Off Season (June – September inclusive) – $300.00 up to 5 people | $22 per night each additional person.
Couples Discount Special (February-November): $200 per night, up to two people.
Pets: $50.00 per night per each pet (pets subject to approval prior to arrival).
Boat Mooring: $30.00 per night (please let us know when booking what kind of boat your have. Boats are nor to be tied to the wharf overnight)
SCHOOL COTTAGE
The School Cottage, which is the remodelled school, was where the whaler’s children were educated. This special, cosy cottage is located on the grassy flats at Whekenui Bay, Tory Channel. The cottage sleeps 6 comfortably, a maximum of 7 people. There is one set of double bunks and one set of single bunks. A fold down bed is also available.
Tarrif | School Cottage Minimum stay 2 nights
Summer (October – May inclusive) $235 up to 6 people | $22 per night each additional person if additional camping is required.
Off Season (June – September inclusive) $210.00 up to 3 people | $22 per night each additional person if additional camping is required.
Pets: $50.00 per night per each pet (pets subject to approval prior to arrival).
Boat Mooring: $30.00 per night (please let us know when booking what kind of boat your have. Boats are nor to be tied to the wharf overnight)
LITTLE COLONSAY BEACH HOUSE
We have recently added this lovely beach home to our accommodation offering. Situated right near the beach, so close you can hear the waves and the sea, this beach house is a true Kiwi bach experience. The home is situated with easy access to the sandy beach, which is perfect to stroll along.
Sleeps up to 12 people.
Summer (October – May inclusive) – $465.00 up to 5 people | $22 per night each additional person.
Off Season (June – September inclusive) – $420.00 up to 5 people | $22 per night each additional person.
Couples Discount Special (February-November): $200 per night, up to two people.
Pets: $50.00 per night per each pet (pets subject to approval prior to arrival).
Boat Mooring: $30.00 per night (please let us know when booking what kind of boat your have. Boats are nor to be tied to the wharf overnight)
EXCLUSIVE USE for Groups and Events
Looking for an idyllic spot for an event, family reunion, perhaps even for a wedding? We are offering the full and exclusive use of all Arapawa Blue Pearls accommodation. We can sleep 31 people across our range of accommodation options. Contact us to find out more.
Activities at Arapawa Homestead
Arapawa Island offers a range of activities for both the daring and the sedate. To best appreciate the tranquility of Arapawa, take a five-minute stroll down the hill to Whekenui Bay’s private, white sandy beach of where there is plenty of space for children to play safely.
Your stay at Arapawa Homestead offers the opportunity to enjoy some of the wildlife that abounds on the island. There is a multitude of native birds to be seen while you walk around the bay and playful dolphins can be seen from the beach or boat. And if you love the sea, the fishing from either the wharf or boat is unbeatable and diving in the area is awesome. Sea kayaking is a very popular activity in the Marlborough Sounds and there are three kayaks available for use by our guests.
For the adventurous – and the reasonably fit – the island’s terrain is perfect for hiking or mountain biking, and keen walkers and cyclists are rewarded with amazing views of our farm. Wild pig and goat hunting on our property can also be arranged by request.
Also a big attraction for kids and adults alike are our eels that live in the creek by the main house. They love to be fed fish or anything disposable. There are over 20 eels. Not to be eaten or caught though. Also, if you feel like exploring, you can take the walk to the Whaling Station, which is very close by.
Getting to Arapawa Island
Boat or water taxi only access to the island ensures your peace and privacy for those who wish to get away from it all. It takes approximately 35 minutes by private charter. The mail boat from Picton arrives twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, leaving Picton around 1pm the leisurely trip takes between 1-3 hours.
Boat owners coming to Whekenui Bay would launch at Waikawa Marina. Out Queen Charlotte sounds, turn right at Tory Channel. Travel approx 10ks almost to the entrance to Cook Strait. Our wharf is located to the left of the leading lights, on left side of channel going out.For those without boats there are a number of ways to reach Whekenui Bay. If you are coming to us from Picton you can either take a trip on the mail boat or there are water taxis available. For a quick trip from Wellington, indulge in a short Helicopter ride.
Water taxi tours from Whekenui Bay to the outer Marlborough Sounds can be arranged.
