History & Origins
Every piece of pounamu carries a story that starts long before it's ever picked up: a story of ancient geology, powerful rivers, and generations of Māori who knew exactly where to look.
This hub covers where pounamu actually comes from, both geologically and culturally, how it has moved through New Zealand history, and the practical side of finding it yourself, from the rivers and beaches of the West Coast to what to look for once you're there. If you already have a piece and want to know it's genuine, our Authenticity guides cover that instead.
History of Pounamu
The origins, legends and cultural story behind New Zealand's precious greenstone.
Read GuideWhere Pounamu Is Found
The rivers, rock formations and West Coast geology behind every piece of pounamu.
Read GuideHow to Find Pounamu in Nature
Practical guidance on searching for pounamu in rivers and along the coast.
Read GuideWhich Beaches Can You Find Pounamu?
The main West Coast beaches, from Hokitika to Haast, where pounamu washes ashore.
Read GuideFrequently Asked Questions About Pounamu History & Origins
Pounamu occurs almost exclusively on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, where geology, glacial rivers and centuries of erosion bring nephrite jade down from the Southern Alps to accessible riverbeds and beaches. See our full guide on where pounamu is found for the geology behind it.
Pounamu has been treasured by Māori for centuries as a taonga, used for tools, weapons and adornment long before European contact, and traded widely from its South Island source to iwi across the country. Our history of pounamu guide covers this story in full.
Yes, fossicking for loose pounamu you can carry unaided is a recognised activity on West Coast beaches, though pounamu still in riverbeds and catchments is treated differently under New Zealand law. See how to find pounamu in nature for the full picture.
Hokitika, Greymouth and Haast are the main hunting grounds on the West Coast, with a smaller bowenite source near Anita Bay, Milford Sound. Our guide to which beaches you can find pounamu breaks down each location.
Most pounamu is a form of nephrite jade, but not all New Zealand greenstone is jade in the strict mineral sense, and not all jade sold as "greenstone" overseas is genuine pounamu. Our guide on pounamu vs jade vs greenstone explains the difference.