Pounamu in Nelson
The Nelson region sits at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, where golden beaches, world class national parks, and a thriving arts and craft community come together in one of the country’s most beloved destinations. Known as New Zealand’s sunniest region, Nelson has long attracted artists, makers, and creative minds, and its connection to pounamu (greenstone) is a natural extension of that creative spirit.
Nelson sits within the rohe (territory) of Ngāi Tahu, the iwi who hold kaitiakitanga (guardianship) over all South Island pounamu. The region’s proximity to the West Coast’s traditional pounamu sources, combined with its strong tradition of fine craft and jewellery making, has made Nelson a home for skilled pounamu carvers and greenstone artisans who work the stone with both technical mastery and deep cultural respect.
The Tasman district, which borders Nelson to the south and west, is also home to a number of talented carvers and studios. Together Nelson and Tasman form one of New Zealand’s most rewarding regions for discovering handcrafted pounamu jewellery, traditional taonga, and contemporary greenstone art in intimate studio and gallery settings.
On this page you will find a selection of pounamu carvers, greenstone galleries and shops in the Nelson and Tasman region, where visitors can discover authentic handcrafted pieces and connect with the story of this treasured New Zealand stone.
Pounamu Carvers, Galleries & Shops in Nelson
Nelson and the Tasman district are home to a number of talented pounamu carvers and greenstone artisans working in intimate studio settings. New listings are being added to this page regularly, check back soon or explore the full directory to discover authentic pounamu sources across the region.
Ora Jade
Location: Richmond
Description: Ora Jade is a whanau / family-owned business where we try to involve as many family members as we can whether it be simply for advice and perspective or hands on work / mahi itself.
Silver Fern
Location: Nelson
Description: We are located in Nelson, New Zealand, one of the sunniest areas in New Zealand. We are constantly sourcing the best in gifts, arts, crafts and jewellery to offer to you, our customers.
Taonga by Timoti
Location: Richmond
Description: Hand carved Pounamu and Pakohe Jewellery. Carving contemporary styles with traditional values. All stone is sourced and carved by us, Taonga by Timoti, from local awa(rivers) in Aotearoa.
Moko Pounamu
Location: Christchurch
Description: Over 30 years of authentic pounamu jewellery. Christchurch-based gallery.
About Pounamu in Nelson
Nelson’s arts community has a long tradition of working with natural materials found in the South Island landscape, and pounamu is among the most treasured. The region’s carvers typically source their stone directly from Ngāi Tahu suppliers, ensuring full provenance and cultural authenticity in every piece they create.
Unlike the busy tourist shops of Queenstown or the factory workshops of Hokitika, Nelson’s pounamu scene tends toward the intimate and the personal. Many carvers work from home studios or small galleries, offering visitors a chance to meet the maker, hear the story of the stone, and choose a piece with a genuine human connection behind it.
The Tasman district neighbouring Nelson is also worth exploring for pounamu. The quiet bays and valleys of Tasman are home to several skilled carvers whose work reflects both Māori tradition and a deep personal connection to the natural environment of Te Tau Ihu — the top of the South Island.
When purchasing pounamu in Nelson, look for pieces carrying Ngāi Tahu authentication, the certification that guarantees genuine New Zealand greenstone and honours the cultural guardianship of the stone. To learn more about identifying authentic pounamu, visit our guide on how to tell if pounamu is real.
Pounamu Resources
Explore authentic greenstone carvers, galleries and shops across New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pounamu in Nelson
Is Nelson a good place to find authentic pounamu?
Yes. Nelson and the neighbouring Tasman district are home to skilled pounamu carvers and greenstone artisans who work in intimate studio settings. The region’s strong arts and craft tradition makes it one of New Zealand’s most rewarding places to find handcrafted, personally made pounamu taonga outside of the major tourist centres.
Where does the pounamu sold in Nelson come from?
Pounamu originates exclusively from the rivers and mountains of the South Island’s West Coast. Nelson carvers source their stone from Ngāi Tahu suppliers, who hold kaitiakitanga (guardianship) over all New Zealand pounamu. This ensures full provenance and cultural authenticity for every piece carved in the region.
What is Te Tau Ihu and how does it relate to pounamu?
Te Tau Ihu is the Māori name for the top of the South Island, encompassing the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions. It translates as the prow of the waka (canoe) and holds deep significance in Ngāi Tahu tradition. The region sits within Ngāi Tahu’s rohe and has a rich history of pounamu trade and gifting stretching back many centuries.
Are there pounamu carvers in the Tasman district near Nelson?
Yes. The Tasman district bordering Nelson is home to several talented pounamu carvers working from small studios and galleries. These carvers often offer a more personal experience than larger retail shops, with the opportunity to meet the maker and commission custom pieces directly.
How do I know if pounamu jewellery in Nelson is genuine?
Look for the Ngāi Tahu authentication mark, which guarantees the piece is made from genuine New Zealand greenstone sourced and certified by the iwi who hold guardianship over the stone. Avoid pieces described simply as “jade” or “greenstone” without clear provenance, particularly in general gift shops or markets.