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Gemstones, crystals and fossils will be in the spotlight and under the microscope next month as a national show melds with a local event.

Tauranga Gem & Mineral Club’s biennial show is hosting the 2026 NZ National Gemstone, Crystal & Fossil Show from October 2-4 at Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton.

“Anyone who’s never been to a show before will be surprised and amazed by the treasures hidden beneath our feet,” Tauranga Gem & Mineral Club member Graeme Dewhurst said.

“People think, ‘Oh, it’s just a bunch of rocks’ but they come along for the first time and end up staying for hours.”

Dewhurst said the show is equally for the general public and rockhounds, fossil enthusiasts and gem lovers.

“People will be able to explore outstanding displays of gemstones, fossils and crystals from throughout New Zealand and around the world, with visiting collectors joining us from near and far.”

Dewhurst, who is on his club’s organising committee, said the show would run 9am-5pm October 2-3 and 9am-4pm on October 4.

The racecourse buildings would become a utopia for anyone with a fascination for rocks, fossils, crystals, gemstones, minerals or who want to learn more.

“One large hall will be full of stalls with all sorts of bits of everything for sale – rocks, fossils, gemstones, minerals, crystals, jewellery, carvings, metaphysical supplies. You name it, it will be there.”

Graeme Dewhurst, holding an amethyst geode, says young and old alike will enjoy the 2026 NZ National Gemstone, Crystal & Fossil Show from October 2-4 at Tauranga Racecourse. Photo / Kelly O’ Hara

Dealers from across the nation will sell their wares, he said. “On Saturday, October 3, a huge showcase of rocks, fossils and minerals will be auctioned off from 5pm onwards.”

The second hall would boast daily live demonstrations and activities. “Items under microscopes, rock-naming competitions, a big ice block where kids melt stones from, a scratch patch, wand-making, a sphere-making machine.

“These are for big kids and small kids. You’d be surprised what parents get involved in too.”

This hall will also showcase competitions in the national show, for polishing, carving and cutting of items, jewellery and metalsmithing, and judging of minerals, fossils and lapidary club displays.

Dewhurst said while the national show drew people from afar, his club wanted locals to enjoy the event too.

With no pre-sales, door tickets will cost adults $5, child $3 and families $10.