Did I mention we spent a good morning several days ago shopping in Hokitika? It's one of the "hot spots" for pounamu (greenstone) which is a type of jade found only on South Island and controlled by certain Maori tribes. If you want the Real Deal (local jade) you have to ask, otherwise you'll be sold something likely carved out of BC jade, Yes, we are providing cheap crap souvenirs to NZ. Who knew?
Tectonic Jade deserves its own post and its owner was quite a character. Wish I'd got a photo of him. We also hit another small, independently-owned shop which is where I bought this piece, a
manaia which will allegedly protect me from evil. (has worked so far)
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