Pounamu Pathway - Mawhera
About This Museum
This isn't your typical museum; it feels more like walking into a living story. The Pounamu Pathway in Greymouth is completely dedicated to the deep history and spiritual significance of pounamu, New Zealand's revered greenstone. You immediately sense it's a place of cultural reclamation, where Māori knowledge and connection to this sacred stone take center stage. It’s a powerful and immersive experience from the moment you step inside.
Collection Highlights
You'll see raw, uncut stones that look so ordinary until you learn their story, then marvel at the finished treasures—delicate hei tiki (pendants) and mere (short clubs) polished to a deep, glassy shine. The real highlight is watching local carvers at work, transforming rough rock into taonga (treasures) right before your eyes.
Visitor Information
It's surprisingly intimate, so take your time. Chat with the kaiwhakairo (carvers); they're incredibly generous with their knowledge. Don't just look at the finished pieces—ask about the journey of each stone from the riverbed to its current form.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a beautifully restored historic building on Tainui Street, it blends Greymouth's colonial-era character with clean, modern interiors that let the pounamu itself be the star.
Contact & Location
Address: Tainui Street, Greymouth, Grey District, West Coast, 7801, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 800 224 414
Website: Visit Website
