I found this wonderful place called Paua World in Carterton, a small country town North of Wellington. It was an Addladin’s Cave filled with wonderful gifts, jewellery and souvenirs, many of which are made from New Zealand’s native and unique shell the Paua.

The staff told me all about this wonderful shell and I watched a short video on the shells life cycle. I then wondered through to the factory where many of the products are made and watched a paua shell being polished, it was amazing to see the beauty of the shell appearing before my eyes.

I then helped myself to a free coffee and walked outside to the park like grounds with lovely big trees and sat at a picnic table in the sun to enjoy the view of the mountains and the singing of native birds.

It was then a quick visit to the lovely clean rest rooms before continuing my exploration of New Zealand having learnt everything there is to know about the wonderful unique Paua Shell. I will definitely be back.