Region Guide
Pounamu in Otago Ōtākou
Otago is one of New Zealand's most visited regions, drawing visitors from around the world to its dramatic landscapes, alpine lakes, and the adventure capital of Queenstown.
Alongside its natural wonders, Otago has a rich connection to pounamu (greenstone), both through its proximity to the South Island's traditional jade sources and through the skilled carvers, galleries and shops that have made it a destination for authentic greenstone taonga.
For Ngāi Tahu, the iwi with kaitiakitanga (guardianship) over all South Island pounamu, Otago sits within their rohe (territory). The rivers and mountain ranges of the broader South Island have long provided the raw stone that carvers throughout Otago work with today. In towns like Queenstown and Arrowtown, visitors will find a range of authentic pounamu jewellery, carvings, and galleries offering pieces in both traditional and contemporary styles.
On this page you'll find a selection of pounamu carvers, greenstone galleries and shops in Otago, where visitors can discover handcrafted pieces and learn about the cultural significance of this treasured New Zealand stone. To learn how to spot the real thing, see our authenticity guide.
Pounamu Carvers, Galleries & Shops in Otago
Otago’s pounamu scene is centred around Queenstown and Arrowtown, with a growing number of studios, galleries and shops offering authentic New Zealand greenstone jewellery and carvings. Whether you’re looking for a traditional hei tiki, a contemporary pendant, or a sculptural piece, Otago’s artisans and retailers offer a genuine connection to this treasured taonga.
ShopThe Gift Centre
Queenstown, Otago
Family-owned Queenstown gift shop since 1976, stocking rare New Zealand pounamu jewellery alongside paua shell, bone, and wood carvings made by local artisans.
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ShopGoldfields Jewellers
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown jewellery destination with a strong focus on pounamu, combining traditional Māori designs with contemporary craftsmanship, custom designs, and jewellery repairs.
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GalleryArrowtown Stonework
Buckingham Street, Arrowtown
Popular Arrowtown gallery on historic Buckingham Street with a wide selection of jade, pounamu and other gemstones, a must-visit stop on any Otago trip.
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Discover What Each Design Means
From the koru to the hei tiki, every traditional pounamu design carries its own story and symbolism.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pounamu in Otago
Mostly not directly, though Otago does sit within the broader South Island region where pounamu occurs, with smaller deposits found further south and west. Most pounamu sold in Otago is carved and sourced from West Coast rivers and brought into Queenstown, Arrowtown and surrounding towns by local carvers and retailers.
The Gift Centre and Goldfields Jewellers in Queenstown both stock genuine pounamu jewellery, while Arrowtown Stonework on historic Buckingham Street offers a wide selection of jade and gemstones.
Ask the retailer where the stone was sourced and who carved it. A reputable seller will be transparent about provenance. For more detail on spotting genuine pounamu, see our full authenticity guide.
There is no separate Otago variety of pounamu sold in the region's shops and galleries; it is the same nephrite jade found across the South Island. Otago does have a small number of its own historic deposits, but the pounamu sold to visitors is most commonly sourced from West Coast rivers.