Carving Your Own Story: Pounamu Workshops with Bonz’nStonz

The West Coast is the only place in New Zealand where pounamu - our precious greenstone - is found. It’s been treasured here for centuries, not just for its beauty, but for what it carries: connection, protection, meaning.

And one of the most special things you can do during your stay at Enchanted? Spend time with Steve at Bonz’n’Stonz, learning to carve your own piece.

This isn’t a quick tourist activity - it’s a proper, hands-on experience. Steve welcomes you into his workshop and guides you through the whole process: choosing your stone, understanding its story, shaping it with your own hands. He’ll share the traditions and significance behind pounamu, the care that goes into working with it, and what it means to the people of this coast.

You’ll leave with something far more valuable than a souvenir. You’ll have made something yourself - a pendant, a carving, a small treasure that holds the memory of your time here. The feel of the stone under your fingers. The quiet focus of shaping something meaningful. The pride of creating it with your own hands.

It’s a beautiful experience for:

• Couples eloping who want a tangible symbol of their commitment

• Groups on retreat looking for something grounding and creative

• Families or friends celebrating milestones together

• Anyone wanting to connect more deeply with the West Coast and its stories

There’s something about working with stone - ancient, solid, patient - that slows you down in the best way. And Steve? He’s the kind of teacher who makes you feel like you’ve known him for years.

If you’re looking for something personal, purposeful, and deeply connected to this place - this is it.