Aquaculture is a growing New Zealand industry, strongest in the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. There, green shelled mussels are grown, harvested and exported. The mussel farms, easily accessible by boat, have become part of a thriving tourist industry.
Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds consist of many beautiful bays, islands and coves. The area has long been a popular tourist area, offering tramping and walking tracks, fishing, wildlife sanctuaries, delightful cruises and a wealth of history.
One fast growing industry, aquaculture, in particular mussel farming, has become a popular part of the local industry. The farming itself takes place in the deep, clean waters of the Sounds, but the little township of Havelock, nestled at the end of a small boating harbour, has become known as the green shelled mussel capital of the world. With world famous vineyards further inland, producing popular sauvignon blanc wine, it is easy to see why this region attracts thousands of tourists annually. Havelock is easily reached by road and is the perfect starting points for further exploring the Sounds region.
Mussel Farming
Mussel farming in New Zealand began in the 1960’s and was initially very experimental, with local fishermen and farmers convinced that this could become a viable industry. Now there are approximately 550 mussel farms in the region, as well as in other parts of New Zealand.
The first stage of the mussel farming process, and the stage that tourists are taken by boat to see, is that of harvesting. The method is known as long line fishing. All that can be seen above the water are barrel-like floats or buoys attached to long lines, no longer than 110 metres. Both ends of the line are anchored to the sea floor. There are usually several lines in a farm.
Baby mussels, known as spat, are attached to growing lines that drop down at intervals from the long line. These much longer lines are encased in a mesh stocking that dissolves after a few weeks, by which time the spat are securely attached to the line. The entire cycle from seeding to harvest takes between 12 to 18 months.
Once harvested, the mussels are taken to land based process plants, preparing them for either for export or local distribution.
Mussel Farming as a Tourist Attraction
Tourists are transported to see the farms aboard small boats or launches. The shorter tours usually leave from Havelock and last from three to five hours. Cruises of up to a week, exploring the Sounds region, usually include the mussel farms and leave from either Havelock or Picton.
The cost of tours varies, catering for a range of needs, so there is a need to check out what is offered for the price paid. Some popular tours offer a meal of steamed mussels, accompanied by local sauvignon blanc wine. Others offer discounts on a mussel meal at one of the local restaurants once back on land.
The combination of the silence and beauty of the Marlborough Sounds coupled with the chance to learn about and perhaps sample local products makes a visit to the mussel farms an ideal New Zealand holiday attraction.
New Zealand Bird Sanctuary and Historic Site
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