Te Koha Gallery - Jade Carving and Gem Stones

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Reviews

1. Tom C ★★★★★

   10/10 A Must do — we still talk about this years later! Jan is so wonderful :) Te Koha Gallery is one of the most meaningful experiences we had during our trip a few years ago. I’m writing this review years later as it has stayed with us in in such a good way. The experience: When we first arrived Our instructor, Jan, welcomed us in and began sharing Māori beliefs surrounding pounamu (jade), including the tradition that you carve a piece for someone else. We chose to make necklaces for each other which we still have to this day. (We even had they at our engagement and wedding) On a table in front of us sat what looked like ordinary rocks, but when Jan poured water over them, each stone revealed its own shade of green. We picked our pieces and got to work. Jan handed us safety glasses and noise-cancelling headphones, then brought us into a workshop lined with sand wheels. She taught us how to carve and shape the jade by hand. I started with a triangular stone and shaped it into a long teardrop, stringing it with teal—one of my favorite colors. My stone originally resembled a Batman mask but I eventually carved it into a crescent moon. After carving, we went through a full sanding process with different grits of sandpaper until our pieces were smooth. Jan drilled the holes, soaked the stones in oil to bring out their color, and finished them with cord. These necklaces became far more special than souvenirs. We wore them during our engagement photos and again on our wedding day. They are symbols of our first big trip together, of us creating something for each other with our own hands, and of the memories we built along the way. We can’t thank Jan enough for giving us an experience that became such an important part of our story. Jan asked us to send photos from our wedding someday (and we remembered) so here they are at the end TLDR - Do this, you’ll have a wonderful experience and get a treasured keepsake for years to come

   almost 3 months ago
2. Clare Hill ★★★★★

   What a wonderful experience. Jan has such a great personality. She made us very welcome and we were supported and guided throughout the workshop. Well worth a visit to bring yourself or a loved one a piece of traditional stone home. There is symbolism involved. Apparently, your personality/essence is absorbed into the stone you select. What a great vibe. Thanks to you, Jan and to your husband who helped on the day and dropped us back to our hotel as part of our Kiwi Experience trip.

   almost 3 months ago
3. Nicolas ★★★★★

   One of the best things I did during my trip in New Zealand Jan was fantastic and it makes a great souvenir for life! She can even guess your job by how you carve your stone

   almost 4 months ago

1. caitlin lessels ★★★★★

   This was one of the highlights of our trip. We got to carve our own Pounamu necklaces from start to finish, learning about the stone’s meaning and significance along the way. Jan created such a relaxing and welcoming space. It’s such a beautiful way to take home a piece of the West Coast of New Zealand. Couldn’t recommend it enough!

   almost 5 months ago
2. Fabian Ong ★★★★★

   What a fantastic space to carve your own pounamu and learn more about the culture and craft behind NZ jade:- by designing, sanding and polishing your own piece to wear or to gift! My partner and I booked a slot on a last minute basis on a rainy day and we had an excellent time hosted by Jan and Nevada, who guided us when needed to make our own tokis. Highly recommended activity to do in Franz Josef. Only feedback would be if the cuts of jade/stones available for choosing was a wee bit bigger or easier to find around the studio, but else it was a fantastic afternoon at Te Koha Also their beloved family dogs are so friendly too!

   almost 8 months ago
3. Acacia Hoy ★★★★★

   This was a highlight of the trip, and for the cost we had the absolute best time with Jan and got to take home such a beautiful piece/souvenir that means more than just a gift shop knick knack. She was super accommodating and friendly over the phone, and such a beautiful person to spend the couple hours we spent carving our pieces. Thanks so much for the highlight of our trip, we will 10000% come back when we return to NZ.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Kit Hoo Chan ★★★★★

   Jane is super patient and helpful with the stone carving. She will guide u so u dont need to worry too much that ur art work turning out bad. Just need to know what u want before hand. It will be helpful for the choice of stones and work needed. Be prepared to spend abt 2 hr here. To Jane. U need to put up a bigger sign board so others wouldn’t miss ur location.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Louise Jordaan ★★★★★

   Absolutely amazing experience! Highly recommend you add this to your must-do list! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion !

   almost 2 years ago
3. A Nawai ★★★★★

   Amazing experience, the hosts are the loveliest people you will meet. Very educational and hands on process. I had lots of fun shaping my own pounamu and it was a very spiritual experience for me personally. We had great chats with the hosts and other guests along the way too. Would highly recommend.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Amy Hall Wildlife ★★★★★

   Had a really lovely morning at Te Koha. Making your own pendant is very special, spending time selecting and then shaping your stone to get a truly personal piece. I love my little slice of the West Coast and 100% recommend a visit, Jannene is so welcoming :)

   almost 3 years ago

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