Step inside our New Zealand workshop, where the scent of timber mixes with the precision of laser-cutting and the hum of creativity. At Tides Out Maps, every coastal artwork begins with ocean data and ends with a handcrafted piece of design that tells a personal story.
Here’s your behind-the-scenes look at the studio where your custom map is brought to life — one layer, one contour, one memory at a time.
🧭 Where Art Meets Ocean
Our studio is part design lab, part wood workshop — a space where marine science and craftsmanship collide. At the heart of what we do is bathymetry: the mapping of underwater terrain.
Want to know more about the science behind our maps?
👉 Read: What Is Bathymetry and Why It Matters in Art
We use real bathymetric data from sources like LINZ to shape every map’s layers, showing the unique contours of New Zealand’s seabeds, bays, and gulfs.
🔥 The Workshop: A Layered Process
Here’s what you’ll find happening in our studio on any given day:
1. Design & Layout
We begin by importing the bathymetric data into vector software, refining the contours, and laying out each map’s composition. Each line represents a depth — and a new layer to be cut.
2. Laser Cutting
We use precision laser machines to cut each contour layer from sustainable plywood. This process is slow, meticulous, and utterly satisfying to watch.
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Each piece is exactly shaped to fit within the map’s layered depth profile
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Details like islands, harbours, and coastal curves are crisp and clean
Want to see how the entire process works from start to finish?
👉 How We Turn NZ Coastlines into Handcrafted Ocean Maps
🖐️ Handmade With Heart
Once all the pieces are cut, we get hands-on.
3. Sanding & Staining
Each layer is individually sanded and, if required, stained or painted for contrast. This gives the map its visual depth and coastal warmth.
4. Assembly
The real magic happens here. We stack the cut layers, gluing them with precision, making sure every coastline is aligned. This is where the map transforms from raw materials into a sculptural piece of art.
5. Framing & Finishing
Finally, we fit the map into a custom wooden frame. Whether you choose a minimalist natural finish or a stained border, we tailor the look to suit your space.
✨ Personalised to Tell Your Story
What makes a Tides Out Map special isn’t just how it looks — it’s what it means. You can personalise your map with:
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A heart or compass marking a special spot
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A custom message or engraving
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A name or date to mark a memory
🌊 Start your own design:
👉 Create Your Bespoke Map
Why We Make Maps This Way
We believe the coastlines of Aotearoa deserve more than a pin on a map — they deserve to be celebrated, preserved, and remembered. Each piece we make is:
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Handcrafted in New Zealand
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Made using sustainable materials
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Designed to honour both the land and the sea
Whether it’s for a gift, a keepsake, or a homegrown piece of art, our studio brings the stories of New Zealand’s waters to life.
📸 Want a Closer Look?
Follow us on Instagram for studio updates, behind-the-scenes reels, and the latest designs being made in real time:
👉 @tidesoutmaps
Or better yet — commission your own and see the process unfold.
🔗 Need a custom gift idea? Check out our full range of Handcrafted Ocean Maps