Rotorua

Every day you can join us in our Rotorua studio for a free guided tour. You’ll get to meet local artists James, Aka and Tamaora and see first-hand how they transform raw stone into carved art. Our artists will share with you their passion for the craft and show you some of the tools and techniques used to craft jade by hand.

During the tour your local guide will also take you on a journey into the history of pounamu carving in New Zealand, exploring the traditional Māori uses of the stone and powerful cultural legends passed down through generations. 

We'll then show you around our gallery where you can experience the diverse styles of artwork crafted by talented kiwi carvers from across the country.

Pounamu is the traditional Māori name for greenstone or New Zealand jade. It is found only in New Zealand's South Island, on the West Coast, created under our mountains and concealed in our rivers. We’ll take you on a journey into the important role pounamu plays in Māori culture, exploring its traditional uses and values and uncovering the legends and stories which breathe life into the stone. Pounamu is regarded by Māori as a taonga – a treasure – and is renowned for its strength, as well as its beauty. Being a strong and practical material, pounamu was traditionally used for making tools and weapons. However, it was also imbued with mythological and spiritual beliefs and was adorned to protect the wearer and connect them to their ancestors and the natural world. While you explore our studio, your local guide will delve into this rich and fascinating history.