Region Guide
Pounamu in Nelson Whakatū
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 market settings.
On this page you will find a selection of pounamu carvers 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. To learn how to tell genuine pounamu apart from imitations, see our authenticity guide.
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.
CarverOra Jade
Richmond, Tasman
Whānau-owned pounamu carving business run by carver Leon Bonney, who personally collects and works each stone with his family's involvement. Every piece follows tikanga Māori and carries its own whakapapa.
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CarverTaonga by Timoti
Nelson / Tasman
Solo pounamu and pakohe jewellery studio, with every piece personally harvested from local awa and hand carved by Timoti. Carving experiences available, and known for gifting pounamu to tamariki in care.
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CarverPrecious Stone Pendants
Nelson
Husband-and-wife studio run by Aaron and Jade, who personally collect stone from riverbeds and coastal areas and hand carve every pendant. One of a kind pieces, also sold at the Nelson Market every Saturday.
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ShopSilver Fern Jewellery
Cambria Street, Nelson
Nelson city jewellery and gift shop stocking authentic Ngāi Tahu certified pounamu jewellery alongside fine New Zealand made gifts and silver jewellery.
View ListingAbout 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pounamu in Nelson
Yes, in part. Unlike most North Island regions, Nelson and the neighbouring Tasman district sit close to genuine South Island pounamu sources, and several local carvers personally gather their own stone from nearby rivers and coastlines rather than buying it in from elsewhere.
Independent carvers such as Ora Jade, Taonga by Timoti and Precious Stone Pendants hand carve and sell their own work across Nelson and Tasman, while Silver Fern Jewellery in Nelson city stocks pounamu alongside other New Zealand made gifts.
Ask the retailer or carver 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 "Nelson pounamu" variety; it is the same nephrite jade found across Te Wāhipounamu on the South Island. Some Nelson and Tasman carvers gather their own stone locally, while others bring it in from West Coast sources, but all of it comes under the kaitiakitanga of Ngāi Tahu.