Bonz 'N Stonz Carving Studio
Craft your own unique pounamu (greenstone) treasure with expert guidance in Hokitika. A deeply cultural and unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Start your day with creativity
Bonz 'N Stonz Carving Studio
Best Time
Start your day with creativity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Craft your own unique pounamu (greenstone) treasure with expert guidance in Hokitika. A deeply cultural and unforgettable experience.
"Creating my own pounamu was one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences of my journey."
🎯 Book Ahead!
Secure your carving slot in advance, especially during busy periods.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Carving can take several hours; don't rush your unique creation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Carve Your Own Pounamu
Bonz 'N Stonz Carving Studio
Design and craft your unique greenstone necklace with expert guidance. A truly memorable cultural experience.
Learn About Greenstone
Bonz 'N Stonz Carving Studio
Discover the cultural significance and origins of pounamu, New Zealand's precious jade.
Meet Local Artisans
Bonz 'N Stonz Carving Studio
Engage with passionate carvers and learn about their craft in a welcoming studio atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Pounamu Experience
Allow Ample Time for Creation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead!
Secure your carving slot in advance, especially during busy periods.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Carving can take several hours; don't rush your unique creation.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The team offers great support and cultural insights.
🎶 Great Atmosphere
Enjoy music, coffee, and good chats while you create.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead!
Secure your carving slot in advance, especially during busy periods.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Carving can take several hours; don't rush your unique creation.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The team offers great support and cultural insights.
🎶 Great Atmosphere
Enjoy music, coffee, and good chats while you create.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bonz 'N Stonz for its 'amazing experience' and 'incredible' staff, highlighting the rewarding process of carving their own pounamu. The studio is lauded for its welcoming atmosphere and the deep cultural insights shared, making it a highly recommended activity for all types of travelers.
"I just had the most amazing Experience with Bonz n Stonz. I came in with an idea of a design and was told that it’s gonna be pretty hard for a beginner since the design was complicated and the stone might break. But Steve was a great teacher. It took us 6h and a lot of questions from my side but I walked out with the most amazing Necklace. The whole team was incredible whoever I ask got me an answer and help was alway provided. The atmosphere in shop was great, there was music playing, singing, coffee and great chats. Everyone was so supportive towards each other and their designs. Definitely one of the best things you can do on your travel. Thanks again for this incredible day."
Nila
"A top notch family activity. Great staff that helped with advice but let us do it ourselves. Cool results and a great activity we wouldn't have elsewhere. We unexpectedly ran into a friend from the north island here to."
kelly walker
"Absolutely incredible! I came to bonz and Stonz because someone recommended it. I designed my own piece and even though it was very complicated for a first timer, I received such excellent help. Everyone (especially Steve and Richard) was so incredible, the whole team was just so nice and very knowledgeable."
Sydney Delix
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bonz 'N Stonz Carving Studio is located in Hokitika on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. If you're driving, it's easily accessible within the town. Many visitors arrive in Hokitika as part of a West Coast road trip. +1
Yes, there is typically street parking available near the studio in Hokitika. It's advisable to check local signage for any restrictions.
Absolutely! Hokitika Gorge is a popular nearby attraction, famous for its turquoise waters. It's a great way to complement your carving experience. +1
Hokitika is a small town, and most attractions, including Bonz 'N Stonz, are within walking distance or a short drive. If you're exploring further afield, a car is recommended.
Hokitika is accessible by bus services, though schedules can be infrequent. Many travelers opt for a rental car or campervan to explore the West Coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing can vary based on the size and type of pounamu piece you choose to carve. It's best to contact the studio directly or check their website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your spot and preferred time slot.
Opening hours can vary, but the studio is generally open daily. It's advisable to check their official website or social media pages for the most current operating hours.
While the primary focus is the carving experience, you can likely visit the studio to view their pounamu creations and learn more about the process.
The experience typically includes guidance from skilled carvers, all the necessary tools, and the pounamu stone itself. You'll leave with your own unique, handcrafted piece.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The time required can vary significantly, from a few hours to a full day, depending on the complexity of your design and your carving skill. Plan for at least 3-4 hours.
The studio caters to all skill levels, including beginners. The experienced staff will guide you through every step, making it an achievable and rewarding process.
You can choose from a range of pre-designed shapes or work with the carvers to create a custom design. The team is skilled at helping you realize your vision.
Yes, it's a fantastic family-friendly activity. Children can create their own pounamu with supervision and guidance from the studio staff.
Pounamu, also known as greenstone or jade, is a highly valued stone in Māori culture, often used for tools, ornaments, and weapons. It holds significant spiritual and cultural importance.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you're generally welcome to take photos and videos of your carving process and your finished piece. It's a great way to capture the memory.
The studio itself, with its tools and stones, can be visually interesting. Your finished pounamu piece will also make for beautiful photos.
Consider natural light and a simple background to highlight the unique color and polish of your greenstone.
While generally permitted, it's always polite to ask staff if you plan on taking extensive photos or videos, especially if it might interfere with other visitors' experiences.
Tagging @bonznstonz_carvingstudio on Instagram or using hashtags like #bonznstonzcarvingstudio and #pounamu can help share your experience with others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a wonderful way to introduce children to Māori culture and the significance of pounamu in a hands-on, engaging manner. The pride they'll feel in creating their own unique piece is immense. Remember to book your family session in advance to avoid disappointment.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The studio's welcoming atmosphere, with music and good chats, adds to the enjoyable experience. It's a chance to disconnect from the everyday and focus on creating something beautiful together, making it a perfect activity for a special occasion or simply a memorable date.
🎒 Backpackers & Solo Travelers
The studio's friendly environment means you'll likely meet other travelers and engage with the local carvers, making it a great social experience. The guidance provided ensures that even those with no prior carving experience can create something they're proud of.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Pounamu Carving
+1Experienced carvers at the studio guide participants through each stage, from initial design conceptualization to the final polishing. They share insights into the meanings behind different shapes and designs, ensuring that each piece created is not only aesthetically pleasing but also holds personal or cultural value. The atmosphere is often described as welcoming and supportive, making it an accessible experience for everyone, regardless of prior artistic experience.
Many visitors find the carving process to be meditative and incredibly rewarding. The satisfaction of transforming a raw stone into a personal taonga (treasure) is a highlight for many. The studio emphasizes a 'carve your own' experience, empowering visitors to create something truly unique that they can cherish as a memento of their New Zealand journey.
+1Cultural Significance of Pounamu
+1Different shapes and forms of pounamu carvings have specific meanings. For example, the hei-tiki (a human-like figure) is a popular pendant believed to offer protection and fertility. The manaia represents a mythical creature often associated with guardianship. Understanding these meanings adds a deeper layer to the experience of creating and wearing a pounamu piece.
By engaging in a pounamu carving experience, visitors gain a tangible connection to Māori culture. The process is more than just a craft; it's an opportunity to learn about traditions, respect, and the deep connection Māori have with the natural world. The warmth and knowledge shared by the carvers at Bonz 'N Stonz contribute to a truly authentic and meaningful cultural immersion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit