Where to Buy Stone for Carving
Before you can carve, you need stone. This page covers where to get Oamaru stone in New Zealand, what to look for if you're based internationally, and what's included if you're joining one of my workshops.
About Oamaru Stone
Oamaru stone is a soft, creamy-white limestone quarried near Oamaru in the South Island of New Zealand. It has been used as a building material for over 150 years — you'll see it in many of Oamaru's historic buildings — but it's also a wonderful medium for sculpture. It's soft enough to work with standard woodworking tools, carves cleanly, and has a beautiful natural warmth that's distinctly New Zealand.
Where to Get It — New Zealand
Parkside Quarries is the main supplier of Oamaru stone and can ship blocks throughout New Zealand. Block sizes vary depending on what you want to carve — from small pieces suitable for beginners right through to large blocks for major projects. Contact them directly to discuss what size suits your project.
Parkside Quarries
Main supplier of Oamaru stone — blocks available for beginners through to large-scale projects, with shipping throughout New Zealand.
Visit parksidequarries.co.nz →
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Outside New Zealand?
If you're based internationally, Oamaru stone isn't practical to ship to you. The good news is that most countries have their own soft, workable stones that carve in a similar way. Look for a local stone supplier or stone masonry yard and ask for a soft limestone suitable for hand carving. The following are all excellent options:
Closest to Oamaru Stone
Limestone Carving Block
Soft limestone is the closest equivalent to Oamaru stone — similar hardness, carves cleanly with the same tools, and has a similar creamy colour. Look for a local quarry first; if not available, carving-grade limestone blocks can be found online.
Search on AmazonVery Soft — Great for Beginners
Soapstone Carving Block
Soapstone is even softer than Oamaru stone and widely available internationally. It's an excellent starting point for beginners — forgiving, easy to carve, and widely available online in blocks sized for carving projects.
Search on AmazonBeautiful Finish
Alabaster Carving Block
Alabaster is soft, fine-grained, and takes an exceptional finish. It's slightly harder than soapstone but carves beautifully and is widely used by sculptors internationally. A good option if you want a stone with real visual impact.
Search on AmazonComing to a Workshop?
If you're booking one of my workshops in Christchurch, all stone is included — there's nothing to organise on your end. Just turn up ready to carve.