Te Koha Gallery
Te Koha Gallery
4.5
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Set in our home our studio offers a friendly environment to carve a traditional or contemporary piece of New Zealand Stone - Nephrite Jade, Tangi Wai, Aotea, Rhodonite. Open 7 days a week at our home based studio. People of all ages and nationalities have had the chance to carve their own piece of our culture either as a gift or for themselves. This activity generally takes 1-2 hours depending on what we are carving. No artistic ability is required and people have really surprised themselves with what they have achieved. Its all about putting your energy into our special stones by making it yourself. A very unique souvenir unlike any other either for yourself or as a special gift.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
124 reviews
Excellent
103
Very good
12
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Sue F
13 contributions
Mar 2023
We saw this place advertised when looking for things to do whilst in Franz Josef. It was an amazing workshop experience and you really do not need to have done anything like it before. Jan and Mike, the hosts were so welcoming (to their workshop next to their farmhouse home) and made us feel at our ease straight away.
We both came away with our own uniquely crafted pieces of jade that we were so proud of, having selected our raw pieces of stone from a huge bench covered with all differently coloured and shaped ‘raw’ stones.
Thank you Jan and Mike for a great time and we would highly recommend this to anyone.
We both came away with our own uniquely crafted pieces of jade that we were so proud of, having selected our raw pieces of stone from a huge bench covered with all differently coloured and shaped ‘raw’ stones.
Thank you Jan and Mike for a great time and we would highly recommend this to anyone.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scenic727995
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
AVOID!!! We booked to come and do the stone carving workshop. We called Jan in the morning to confirm we were coming. When we arrived, the welcome we got from her was extremely unprofessional. We were criticised for arriving 10mins early and then promptly quizzed as to the age of my son and where we were from, to be told that children under 16 are not allowed to use the machinery.
There was already a group of people doing the workshop who all looked pretty bored and she had clearly over booked herself and was trying to put us off. We explained that the website did not mention age limits which she agreed with but did not seem bothered at all that it meant we couldn’t do the workshop.
Very disappointed and never come across such unprofessional and disgusting customer service.
There was already a group of people doing the workshop who all looked pretty bored and she had clearly over booked herself and was trying to put us off. We explained that the website did not mention age limits which she agreed with but did not seem bothered at all that it meant we couldn’t do the workshop.
Very disappointed and never come across such unprofessional and disgusting customer service.
Written 19 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven P
Cairns, Australia86 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We planned to be in Franz Josef for a few days to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. And what better way to celebrate this special day, than by make a beautiful and spiritual piece of Jade jewellery for one another.
We were lucky, on the day we visited the gallery, we were the only 2 booked in for our 1hr Jade making experience.
It was so intimate, we got to talk to the host in so much detail, connecting on a spiritual level given I am an Indigenous Australian, and the host had cultural connections to the land on which she operated - along with Jade being such an important part of Moiri culture.
We had an amazing time. The jewelry we crafted for each other is very special. We wore our pieces we created for a few days, this is so our spirit is attached to the Jade. A few days later we gifted our Jade to each other. It's a very amazing experience, because you have the elders spirits embedded in the rock from the Moiri culture, along with our spirit now attached.
Potentially, given I'm Indigenous, I can sense certain things others may not, but we have been travelling around NZ in sub zero temperatures (in some parts), and yet the Jade I wear (that my wife created), always remains warm. To touch it, or hold it in my hand, it is always warm.
Absolutely amazing. Highly recommend.
We were lucky, on the day we visited the gallery, we were the only 2 booked in for our 1hr Jade making experience.
It was so intimate, we got to talk to the host in so much detail, connecting on a spiritual level given I am an Indigenous Australian, and the host had cultural connections to the land on which she operated - along with Jade being such an important part of Moiri culture.
We had an amazing time. The jewelry we crafted for each other is very special. We wore our pieces we created for a few days, this is so our spirit is attached to the Jade. A few days later we gifted our Jade to each other. It's a very amazing experience, because you have the elders spirits embedded in the rock from the Moiri culture, along with our spirit now attached.
Potentially, given I'm Indigenous, I can sense certain things others may not, but we have been travelling around NZ in sub zero temperatures (in some parts), and yet the Jade I wear (that my wife created), always remains warm. To touch it, or hold it in my hand, it is always warm.
Absolutely amazing. Highly recommend.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
968ChrisS
Dunedin, New Zealand252 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We had the absolute pleasure of visiting Jan at the workshop @ Te Koha, not once but twice. Ben our 9yo insisted we visited again 2 days after our first visit. Jan is an absolute treasure and is very hands on making sure everyone takes home an awesome piece of pounamu. Yes, you actually choose a piece of pounamu and design and make it yourself. We will definitely be up here again just to do this. Thank you so much.
Written 21 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karaltea
Honolulu, HI10 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Our family went to Te Koha Gallery for jade carving. Jan was really lovely. She taught us how to carve, smooth, shine, and buff the stone. Her instructions and suggestions were very helpful. We loved the relaxed atmosphere and the one-on-one attention. It was a beautiful place to make our memorable jade and aotea carvings.
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NZFamilyO
Auckland Central, New Zealand34 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Really enjoyable time making my own special piece of pounamu. It felt uniquely Kiwi and West Coast - in a beautiful spot just out of Franz Josef. Jane was a great host, sharing stories of the area freely.
Written 4 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frances H
15 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
What a win...ours boys aged 15 and 13 loved this whole experience. Jan the owner operator was so positive and encouraging and the boys smiles got wider and wider as they saw what they were capable of. Best find of our holiday so far!!
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patti J
Portland, OR116 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Working in the workshop in Jan’s home was one of the highlights of our trip. Jan picked us up at the Rainforest Retreat and we joined a smaller group (7) in our stone grinding/shaping experience. My partner and I each carved jade pieces for necklaces. I now want a grinder. Jan’s husband, Mark, drove us back to town and told us all about the area. He was a much fun as the carving experience. The vibe is relaxed, so be prepared to chill and work with your stone.
Written 8 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tori
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Solo
Had an amazing time with Jan and Mike carving. They are exceptionally supportive and help guide you through the whole experience. Jan is great at explaining all the steps and always around if you need a hand. Mike is a great laugh and was happy to help or chat if you need. Would definitely recommend to others and thanks for the beautiful experience!
Tori
Tori
Written 8 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMotelChristchurch
4 contributions
Oct 2020
This wasn't on our radar when we arrived at Franz Josef. Our plan was to do the Helihike but due to weather it was cancel. And we are kind of glad it was cancelled or else we might not have come across Jan's studio!
We had a wonderful experience craving our stones and Jan was very friendly and guided us with excellent instructions.
Great for a rainy day activity at Franz Josef.
And it was very decent priced. So go visit them and support local NZers!
We had a wonderful experience craving our stones and Jan was very friendly and guided us with excellent instructions.
Great for a rainy day activity at Franz Josef.
And it was very decent priced. So go visit them and support local NZers!
Written 30 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For making your own jade carving, do you need to make a reservation ahead of time or is it on a drop-in, first-come-first-serve basis? Would we ever need to worry about a wait?
Written 26 December 2018
Hi. It is advisable over the summer to make a reservation. Thank you.
Written 27 December 2018
Kristin W
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What is the cost to carve your own jewelry?
Written 29 December 2015
They were open normal hours is about all I can tell you. It's located in the main street. Their website which is easily found via Google didn't help.
Written 7 July 2015
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