Arts & Crafts

New Zealand's South Pacific location, rich cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes and distinctive flora and fauna are an endless source of inspiration for our artists. Potters, sculptors, jewellers, glass artists, wood turners, Maori carvers and weavers are all part of a vibrant artist population.

For a genuine West Coast jade (pounamu) experience, visit Hokitika for the largest display of pounamu/jade in the country and the chance to design your own jade treasure. The West Coast is the only known place in the world where the precious gemstone Ruby Rock (Goodletite) is found - you can see the largest specimen in Greymouth.

In Northland, handcrafted native timber products are a specialty. See wood turners in action and view exquisite woodcrafts made from 45,000-year-old kauri logs extracted from swampland. Nelson and The Coromandel Peninsula are also known for their artist communities. Follow the arts and crafts trail around Nelson and meet painters, sculptors, glass blowers and textile artists. On the Coromandel Peninsula you'll discover contemporary art studios as well as a variety of art and craft shops.

Wherever you travel in New Zealand you'll discover a variety of distinctly New Zealand arts and crafts ranging from the unusual to the exquisite.