Hokitika - Pounamu, NZ Jade, Greenstone - West Coast, New Zealand
Hokitika - thecoollittletown.com
Hokitika on the West Coast of New Zealand is the birthplace of Pounamu, NZ jade.
For a small town we struck it rich in the resources stakes.
Before the gold rushes Maori were already heading here in search of another precious stone -- pounamu. The Arahura River is the birthplace of pounamu which is also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade.
Pounamu was prized for its strength, durability and beauty and used for weapons, tools and personal ornaments -- it also denoted great status.
Today's travelers still head here in search of pounamu, but these days it is found in the many shops and galleries. Visitors can learn about it, search for it, watch it being carved, shop for it, and even carve it themselves.
Carvers work in their studios, producing beautiful jewellery and ornaments from the stone, which can be bright green, mottled yellow gold, dark or even flecked in red or blue. You can chat to the carver about the origins of the pounamu or the design.
For the fossicker there is still the chance you can find a bit of your own, it's not uncommon to find small pieces on the beach that have been washed down in a storm. Maori tradition says it is bad luck to buy pounamu for yourself so make sure you have someone there to purchase it for you.
For more information, visit Hokitika at
Hokitika - Beach, Arts and Crafts - West Coast, New Zealand
Hokitika -
Hokitika is a 'must-stay' destination on the West Coast, South Island, New Zealand.
Think of those fun-filled, relaxed holidays you used to have - then throw in better coffee, a wild beach, awesome sunsets, mountain views, and great cafes and galleries. You’ll find genuine experiences and friendly characters that love to share a story.
There is easy access to untamed natural wilderness too with the famous Hokitika Gorge, two serene lakes, the West Coast Wilderness Trail and a range of nature walks nearby. The Glaciers and Pancake Rocks are just day trips away.
Don’t rush! It’s common to hear “I wish we had stayed in Hokitika longer. There is so much to see and do.” So stay awhile to enjoy the slower pace of life, have a chat and soak in the view with us.
BEACH TOWN
Even the most amateur of photographers can get that perfect shot if they head to the ocean, just a few minutes walk from town. By day you can see New Zealand’s highest mountain, the magnificent Aoraki / Mt Cook from the beach. As evening comes, head to Sunset Point to see the fiery orange sun sinking into the Tasman Sea.
If you visit in summer you are likely to come across incredible driftwood sculptures, built as part of the annual Driftwood & Sand Beach Sculpture Festival. The works of art are left standing for visitors to enjoy until the sea slowly reclaims them. And no trip to Hokitika is complete without a picture of the iconic beachside, driftwood Hokitika sign.
During whitebaiting season from September to November, watch the locals fish with nets for the tiny delicacy at the nearby river mouth. Or try your hand fishing for kahawai or sea run trout.
Whatever the time of year, enjoy the view over a drink or take a walk along the beach, perhaps stumbling upon a seal basking in the sun. Children will love scouring the beach for pieces of pounamu (NZ Jade) that have been washed down from a nearby river.
ARTISAN COMMUNITY
Hokitika and its surrounding areas, especially the Arahura River, is a major source of pounamu. Also known as greenstone or jade, pounamu was prized by Maori as a great taonga or treasure, and used to make weapons, tools and jewellery.
These days you can watch world-renowned carvers at work in their studios and chat to them about the stone and their designs. For the more adventurous you can even carve a piece yourself.
The carvers are part of a large artisan community which includes photographers, painters,, glass blowers, sculptors, wood turners, jewellers, craftspeople, potters, and metal, stone and textile artists. They are happy for you to visit their studios.
RICH CULTURE
At the height of the gold rushes in the 1860’s Hokitika was a bustling town that welcomed 37,000 immigrants through its port in just two years. Today the town embraces its history and a visit to the excellent Carnegie Building for stories of the gold rushes, pounamu, pioneering life and whitebait is a must.
A self-guided Points of Interest Loop is also an option, along the way view images of yesteryear on your mobile phone using augmented reality. The 11km ramble around town is one of many easy walks, as night falls make sure you head to the glowworm dell – a magical spot for both children and adults.
DINING OPTIONS
Whether you enjoy fish and chips at the beach, or head to one of the many cafes, pubs or restaurants there are plenty of culinary options. In whitebait season you can try whitebait fritters or even a whitebait pizza. Finish your night with a drink at the wine bar or one of the many pubs where you are bound to meet a Coaster who is happy to yarn the evening away.
A Story about a New Zealand Greenstone
In this video I share the unique experience connecting with my Greenstone in New Zealand.
My special piece is a Pikorua (Twist).
It represents the paths of life and love. Also the joining of lives in love or friendship for eternity.
Get more inspiration:
Precious pounamu - Roadside Stories
Pounamu - greenstone or jade - was prized by Māori, and gave its name to the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu). Long associated with the Ngāi Tahu tribe, pounamu was especially common in the bed of the Arahura River. This precious stone is said to have been created by the taniwha Poutini.
Pounamu - jade or greenstone,
Pounamu,
Poutini and Waitaiki,
Ngāi Tahu,
Arahura River,
Archival audio sourced from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives, Sound files may not be reused without permission from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives (Reference number sa-d-02206-s02-pm).
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Roadside Stories is a series of audio guides that follow major road trips in New Zealand. The stories cover the places you'll pass along the way - their people, their history, their cultural and natural significance. For more information about Roadside Stories visit
day24 hokitika Jade seach
New Zealand Jade
Students watch a local carver create a unique design from prized New Zealand jade and then search for this precious gem with their Maori guide.
Walter Chew Family NZ Trip - Hokitika
Brief stop over Hokitika before Greymouth
Arahura Pa
View from the top of the hill
Finding Boulders
Trying to find new boulders to climb
Geoffs Back Roads View : Milltown to Hokitika NZ
Hokitika bridge
This is the bridge in Hokitika its a beautiful little town on the west coast of the south island of New Zealand
arahura bridge juming
arahura bridge juming
Whataroa rafting
The Whataroa river was in good flow for the Helirafting trip for Leadership and Guiding students. This was one of the more challenging runs.
Jim Keenan Reflects
Jim Keenan shares his family and Hokitika history. This recording is incomplete as sadly Jim passed away. It was recorded by Jackie Gurden in June 2013.