The Pounamu Pathway, created by Wētā Workshop, introduces visitors to an immersive journey that celebrates the vibrant Māori Culture, deep-rooted history, and unique heritage of the West Coast, South Island NZ.
The Pounamu Pathway unfolds as a captivating narrative journey, spread across four distinct yet interconnected hubs spanning from Haast/Awarua to Westport/Kawatiri on the West Coast/Te Tai o Poutini.
Embark on an extraordinary voyage of exploration, partnership, and evolution as we guide you along the remarkable Pounamu Pathway through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the West Coast/Te Tai o Poutini in the South Island.
Pounamu Pathway Māori Experience Centres
Greymouth / The Māwhera Pā
Address: 45 Tainui Street, Greymouth (we are a quick 4-minute walk from TranzAlpine, Greymouth Railway Station.)
Open Daily: Monday to Sunday, 9am – 8pm
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Embark on a unique self-guided adventure into the vibrant Māori culture with an immersive journey, uncovering the intricate layers of Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the Māwhera Pā settlement. This mesmerising exhibition guides you through six captivating narratives, granting you the freedom to explore at your leisure for at least 90 minutes.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting tales as you are drawn into a magnificent large-scale masterpiece by Wētā Workshop, surrounded by a sensory symphony of visuals and sound. Prepare for an unforgettable and enriching cultural experience that will leave you inspired and moved.
Listen as the stories of giants and intrepid warriors weave their way into your consciousness. Immerse yourself in accounts of triumph, journey, strife, and camaraderie as they unfold through the exchange of Pounamu (jade).
Groups – For those planning group bookings or school outings, Māwhera Pā offers the perfect experience. To ensure a seamless visit for groups, kindly reach out to us via email in advance. Contact Pounamu Pathway
Westport / The Museum of Kawatiri
Address: 123 Palmerston St, Westport.
Phone: 03 789 6658
Step into a captivating journey that honors the heritage and resilience of the Buller District’s people. Immerse yourself in the remarkable narrative of Kawatiri, uncovering the rich tapestry of its past, present, and future. Delve into the themes of Triumph and Treasure, exploring the precious gifts of the land – from pounamu, coal, to gold – and the courageous spirit and ingenuity they have inspired in humanity, from the earliest Polynesian settlers to the modern era.
Hokitika Māori Experience
Due to open December 2025.
Haast / Awarua Experience
Due to open 2025.
About Pounamu Pathway
Te Ara Pounamu was born from the vision to breathe life into The Pounamu Pathway, igniting a journey aimed at revitalizing the West Coast/Te Tai o Poutini by attracting visitors to this breathtaking region boasting world-class attractions. Our mission is to share the rich and distinctive tales of the area in a manner that inspires exploration and sparks further revelation.
Guided by authentic values, we foster an inclusive and cooperative environment anchored in integrity and reverence, dedicated to achieving creative excellence. We embrace audacious undertakings, continuously reimagining top-tier visitor experiences while upholding sustainability as our cornerstone, adapting to shifting markets and evolving customer demands.
At Te Ara Pounamu, our objective is to redefine the world’s engagement with New Zealand’s cultural heritage and narratives.
Join us on the extraordinary voyage of discovery, partnership, and transformation along the extraordinary Pounamu Pathway, as we traverse the remarkable landscapes of the West Coast/Te Tai o Poutini in the South Island.
Creative Partner
Pounamu Pathway visitor experience was created in partnership with Wētā Workshop, who are renowned for bringing imaginary worlds to life for the entertainment and creative industries.
At our Pounamu Pathway store, we proudly showcase traditional and contemporary Authentic Ngāi Tahu New Zealand Pounamu (jade) taonga from jewellery, art, and high-quality merchandise for in-store purchases.
