Mountain Jade
Shopping & Markets / Central
In the heart of Rotorua's city centre, just a short walk from the must-see Government Gardens, Mountain Jade artists are absorbed in their craft, passionately hand-carving New Zealand pounamu with love and dedication. They invite you to come and discover the stories behind their carvings and step inside the studio for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience.
Pounamu is the Maōri name for greenstone or New Zealand jade. It is found only in New Zealand’s South Island, which is why the island is named Te Waipounamu, meaning “the greenstone waters”. A gift from Papatūānuku (Mother Earth), pounamu is treasured deeply in New Zealand for its strength, beauty and spiritual significance.
On a behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll get up close to the action and spend unforgettable one-on-one time with the Mountain Jade artists, learning about the pounamu carving process and watching live carving demonstrations. As you embark on a journey into the rich history of pounamu, you’ll discover fascinating insights into the cultural significance of the stone and its traditional uses and values. You will even have a chance to try your hand at original Māori carving techniques using sandstone to shape pounamu.
To top it all off, you will choose your very own piece of pounamu and learn how to string it into a necklace to take home and treasure forever.
Tours run daily at 10.00am. Allow 40 minutes for the whole experience. There are limited spaces available, and bookings are highly recommended.
Mountain Jade is home to the most diverse collection of pounamu in New Zealand and has two stores and a carving studio in Rotorua. Visit and find a personal piece to treasure forever or discover a perfect gift for your loved ones.
On a behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll get up close to the action and spend unforgettable one-on-one time with the Mountain Jade artists, learning about the pounamu carving process and watching live carving demonstrations. As you embark on a journey into the rich history of pounamu, you’ll discover fascinating insights into the cultural significance of the stone and its traditional uses and values. You will even have a chance to try your hand at original Māori carving techniques using sandstone to shape pounamu.
To top it all off, you will choose your very own piece of pounamu and learn how to string it into a necklace to take home and treasure forever.
Tours run daily at 10.00am. Allow 40 minutes for the whole experience. There are limited spaces available, and bookings are highly recommended.
Mountain Jade is home to the most diverse collection of pounamu in New Zealand and has two stores and a carving studio in Rotorua. Visit and find a personal piece to treasure forever or discover a perfect gift for your loved ones.