Our crew of seven, over 50 years of age, freedom campers wanted to learn why Greenstone aka pounamu or jade, was so significant to the Maori people and others to follow that they would cross Arthur's Pass in search of it. So, we hired a...More

Tangi Weepu, our Maori guide, is a beautiful soul and a living manifestation of Maori beliefs, culture, and spirituality. Even if we hadn’t had the thrilling experience of the Aruhura River gifting us several gorgeous pieces of Pounamu and being taught by a master how...More

We are a family of 5 that has been to many places. We have never had a day like this one, in a good way! We followed Tangi's directions to a small park along the roadside, using an abandoned bridge on a pedestal as the...More

New Zealand is as amazing as everyone says -- the landscapes and the people are really special. The day we spent with Tangi's nephew Katene (COT-eh-nay) however was the highlight of our three week trip. After a mixup on our meeting time (it's a good...More

Took this trip on advice of a Similar type of company in Kaikoura who were fully booked during our stay there and at not inconsiderable cost for the 4 hour tour. We arrived at a fairly isolated car park to find ourselves the only ones...More

We really enjoyed doing our greenstone tour, Tangi was happy to answer all our questions about Maori culture and himself. Looking for the greenstone was fun, take some insect repellant though! The whole experience was great, my necklaces have made lovely gifts for all my...More

I had the most authentic experience in new zealand, when I went down to the beach at hokitika with tangi weepu, who told me about his maori culture, and then searched for greenstone, with expert help and good company from Tangi. Finished by making my...More

Jade comes in many colors, anywhere from black (not found in NZ) to a pale translucent green. The designs can be anything from traditional Maori symbols to contemporary. You can watch craftsmen----and women, carve these pieces using diamond tipped drills with small water hoses attached...More

Hokitika is a very beautiful place, well worth staying a few days to enjoy the sun, beach and in my case to search for some Pounamu whilst learning a little of the local Maori culture. The day of my trip dawned and it was overcast...More