Discover Mountain Jade: Your Rotorua Highlights Tour in Bay of Plenty
Step into our studio in the heart of Rotorua’s city centre, just a short walk from the iconic Government Gardens, and experience intimate, one-on-one jade carving with artists who hand-carve New Zealand pounamu with passion and dedication; you’ll watch live carving demonstrations, learn the traditional pounamu carving process, and hear the stories and cultural significance behind each piece as you choose your own pounamu and learn to string it into a necklace to take home - available at 10.00 am daily and perfect for families (infant ages 0–2 years) visiting the Bay of Plenty Region.
About this activity in Rotorua
Highlights
- Watch live jade-carving demonstrations by expert New Zealand pounamu artists in their central Rotorua studio
- Enjoy exclusive one-on-one time with the artists to learn about the jade carving process and the cultural history of pounamu
- Select a finished piece of New Zealand pounamu and be taught how to string it into a necklace to take home
- Small, fully guided experience (about 40 minutes) held daily at 10:00 am - perfect for families and culture seekers
Important Information
- This is a guided viewing experience - you will observe skilled carvers rather than carve your own pounamu
- Infant admission (0–2 years) is free but does not include a pounamu piece; GST applies to purchases
- The studio is wheelchair accessible, allows service animals, and accommodates prams/strollers; limited seating means standing for portions of the 40-minute session
- Public transport and accessible transport options serve the city centre location, making it easy to combine with other Rotorua activities
Meeting Point
Includes
- Watch a live jade carving demonstration by New Zealand jade artists in their studio - an authentic cultural experience in Rotorua
- Spend exclusive, up-close time with local pounamu (New Zealand jade) artists during this fully guided session
- Follow commentary from jade experts throughout the 40-minute guided experience
- Take home a piece of genuine New Zealand pounamu as a souvenir
- Prices include GST (goods and Services tax)
Excludes
- Infant tickets (0–2 years) are free of charge, but this ticket does not include a piece of pounamu
- You will observe our artists carving; you do not get to carve your own pounamu
Other
- Wheelchair accessible - all areas and surfaces are accessible to mobility devices
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the visit
- Service animals are allowed on-site
- Public transportation options are available nearby, with transport options that are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels, but note limited seating
- Not recommended for people who cannot stand for 40 minutes due to limited seating availability
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