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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

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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

Meet at the artists’ carving studio in Rotorua city centre - a short walk from the Government Gardens. Look for the studio entrance on the main street and arrive 10 minutes before the 10:00 am start.

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

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Global09540851661
Oct 13, 2025 02:23:51 AM
Summary: learnt about the history and culture surrounding pounami, excellent craftmanship and even the opportunity to have the piece I'd seen on the tour after talking to one of the artists bought for me as a gift by my fiancee
Francois_Douds974
Jun 3, 2025 12:45:22 AM
Summary: Very enjoyable and insightful visit. This is a must do to understand even more about Maori culture and art. The guys are knowledgeable and very welcoming.
Daniel_K
Apr 24, 2025 08:05:21 PM
Summary: Great guide excellent carvwr on hand for Q&A. The atmosphere there was welcoming and the guide herself was commandeering and very informative. Would recommend to anyone who would like to gain the same experience

Book Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Region Events: Adventure, Culture

Plan your next event in Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty Region, where geothermal experiences, Māori culture-driven shows, and outdoor Adventure & Thrill activities meet Tours & Sightseeing, Family & Kids outings and Food & Drink experiences to suit every group. In this destination you can pair Wellness & Relaxation and Nature & Wildlife excursions with Multi-Day / Full-Day itineraries or single-day Workshops & Learning and Services to create memorable Events for couples, groups, and corporate gatherings. Use Varoom to easily find and book accommodation that connects your event with the area's top activities, making it simple to build an itinerary that highlights why Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty Region are must-visit locations for Events and activities.

Know more about Rotorua

You’ll step inside the artist studio in Rotorua’s city centre for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience. Watch live jade carving demonstrations, spend one-on-one time with New Zealand jade artists, learn about the pounamu carving process and the cultural significance of the stone, and choose a finished piece to take home.
Yes - the studio is family-friendly. Infant tickets (ages 0–2) are free but do not include a piece of pounamu. Small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the experience is designed to be engaging for all ages.
Yes - the studio and transportation options nearby are wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and all areas and surfaces are accessible. Note that seating is limited and the experience involves standing for the 40-minute demonstration.
No - the experience is a fully guided demonstration where you observe expert carvers at work. You will not carve your own pounamu, but you will learn how the artists create each piece and will select a finished piece to keep.
The fully guided experience lasts around 40 minutes and runs daily at 10:00 am from the studio in the city centre.
The studio is a short walk from Government Gardens in Rotorua city centre, making it easy to combine with sightseeing. Book your spot through the listing on Varoom to reserve the 10:00 am, daily experience.