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.
Awesome place, lovely people. Highly recommended. Guided through the whole process. Go and support local kiwi businesses .
This is a hidden gem... yes that was a poor attempt at a pun. This is a home based studio just 6 ks south of the township. You are warmly welcomed by the family pets and made to feel part of the family from the moment you arrive. Jan is great at knowing when to step in and help and when to leave you to just give things a go. She is very supportive and encouraging.
I have always wanted to learn how to do stone carving. Who knew I would enjoy it just so much!! I made a morepork or ruru for my mum. She loves it.
Awesome visit today. Made my own bracelet and really enjoyed the experience of picking your own stone then grinding it to shape. Thanks so much :)
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!
