Region Guide
Pounamu in Bay of Plenty Te Moana-a-Toi
The Bay of Plenty, located on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, is a region rich in Māori culture, coastal landscapes, and traditional arts.
Known in te reo Māori as Te Moana-a-Toi, the region has deep historical connections to many iwi and is a vibrant centre for Māori carving and contemporary pounamu (greenstone) jewellery.
While pounamu is not naturally found in the North Island, it has been highly valued and traded throughout Aotearoa for centuries as a sacred taonga (treasure). In the Bay of Plenty, pounamu holds strong cultural and artistic significance, often used in carved jewellery, pendants, and artworks that represent identity, connection, and whakapapa.
Today, the Bay of Plenty is home to a growing number of pounamu carvers, Māori artists, and greenstone jewellery galleries. In cities and towns such as Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne, and Ōpōtiki, visitors can discover authentic pounamu jewellery stores, Māori carving studios, and artisan workshops showcasing both traditional and contemporary designs. Many artists work with South Island pounamu, transforming it into handcrafted pieces inspired by local stories, culture, and natural landscapes.
Visitors to the region can explore pounamu galleries in the Bay of Plenty, watch live carving demonstrations, or take part in carving experiences to create their own greenstone pendant. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of the cultural meaning of pounamu and the skill involved in traditional Māori carving techniques.
Pounamu Carvers, Galleries & Shops in the Bay of plenty
The Bay of Plenty, on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is a vibrant region known for its rich Māori culture, coastal scenery, and strong tradition of contemporary carving and pounamu (greenstone) artistry. While pounamu is sourced from the South Island, the Bay of Plenty is home to many talented Māori artists, carvers, and galleries showcasing authentic greenstone jewellery and carved taonga in cities such as Tauranga, Rotorua, and Whakatāne.
CarverKuru Pounamu
Ōpōtiki District
New Zealand jade studio creating handcrafted pounamu pendants and contemporary Māori carvings with ethically sourced West Coast greenstone.
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CarverPuawai Jade
Rotorua
Rotorua studio led by master carver Niki Nepia, blending traditional Māori forms with contemporary design shaped by his Urewera roots and training in China.
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CarverRākai Jade
Rotorua
Rotorua carving collective founded by acclaimed pounamu artist Lewis Gardiner, former head of the National Stone and Bone Carving School at NZMACI.
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GalleryMountain Jade
Rotorua
Long-running Rotorua jade house with an on-site carving workshop, where master carvers Tamaora Walker and Akapita Scally train the next generation of Māori carvers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pounamu in Bay of Plenty
No. Pounamu is only found naturally in the South Island, primarily on the West Coast. Carvers and galleries in the Bay of Plenty work with stone brought up from those South Island sources.
The Bay of Plenty has a strong concentration of pounamu carvers and galleries, particularly around Rotorua, along with studios in Tauranga, Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki. Check the listings above for current carvers and galleries in the region.
Yes. Several studios in the region, particularly in Rotorua, offer live carving demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Rotorua is also home to Te Puia's National Stone and Bone Carving School, where pounamu carving is formally taught to Māori students from across the country.
Ask the carver or retailer where the stone was sourced and who carved it. A reputable seller will be transparent about provenance. For more detail, see our full authenticity guide.
There's no such thing as Bay of Plenty pounamu; the stone itself only comes from the South Island. Pieces carved or sold in the Bay of Plenty are the same New Zealand greenstone found everywhere else, often shaped into designs with strong Māori artistic influence local to the region.