Pounamu in West Coast
The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is the historic home of pounamu (greenstone). Known in te reo Māori as Te Tai Poutini, this rugged region has long been associated with the rivers and mountains where pounamu can be found. For generations, Māori have valued pounamu as a taonga (treasure) used for tools, weapons and meaningful jewellery.
Today, the West Coast remains one of the best places in New Zealand to discover authentic pounamu carvings, greenstone jewellery and traditional jade craftsmanship. Towns like Hokitika and Greymouth are well known for their talented carvers, artisan workshops and galleries that showcase locally sourced stone from nearby rivers such as the Arahura River, one of the most important traditional sources of pounamu.
On this page you’ll find a selection of pounamu carvers, greenstone galleries, shops and carving experiences on the West Coast, where visitors can learn about the cultural significance of pounamu and explore handcrafted pieces created by local artists.
Pounamu Carvers, Galleries & Shops on the West Coast
The West Coast of New Zealand is the historic home of pounamu (greenstone). Many of the country’s most respected jade carvers and galleries are located in Hokitika, Greymouth and surrounding areas near the Arahura River.
Traditional Jade
Location: Hokitika
Description: Family-owned Ngāi Tahu greenstone gallery showcasing authentic West Coast pounamu and one of the largest raw jade collections in New Zealand.
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Location: Hokitika Description: Jade gallery featuring handcrafted pounamu jewellery and carvings by Ngāi Tahu carver Colin Davidson using locally sourced stone. Website: heritagejade.co.nz Location: Hokitika Description: Established Hokitika greenstone gallery producing traditional and contemporary pounamu jewellery and sculptures. Website: westlandgreenstone.co.nz Location: Hokitika Description: Local pounamu gallery where visitors can watch the jade carving process and explore a wide selection of West Coast greenstone. Website: waewaepounamu.co.nz Location: Hokitika Description: Popular carving studio offering workshops where visitors can carve their own jade, bone or shell pendant. Website: bonznstonz.co.nz Location: Kaniere (near Hokitika) Description: Small artisan carving studio specialising in handcrafted pounamu jewellery and custom greenstone carvings. Location: Greymouth Description: Gallery specialising in authentic West Coast pounamu including locally sourced Flower Jade jewellery and sculptures. Website: shadesofjade.co.nz Location: Paroa (near Greymouth) Description: Independent West Coast pounamu carver where visitors can learn about traditional jade carving techniques. Website: garthwilsonjade.co.nz Location: Franz Josef Glacier Description: Family-run jade carving studio offering “carve your own pounamu” experiences using locally sourced greenstone. Website: tekoha.nz Location: Charleston Description: Small West Coast gallery focused on handcrafted New Zealand greenstone jewellery and carvings.Heritage Jade
Westland Greenstone
Waewae Pounamu
Bonz n Stonz Carving Studio
Surgenors' Fine Jade Carving
Shades of Jade
Garth Wilson Jade
Te Koha Gallery
The Pounamu Man