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.