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A New Zealand surf beach seen through flax on the cliff top

You Found Something. Here's What to Do Next.

A step-by-step guide for New Zealand finders, from the moment you pick it up to the moment you get paid.

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Free and private. I reply within 24 hours. Prefer to chat? Message me on WhatsApp.

Nabil Valiulla picking up a piece of ambergris on a pebble beach

What should I do first if I find ambergris?

Found something on a New Zealand beach? Don't wash it, photograph it in daylight, store it dry, check it against my identification guide, then send me the photos. I'm Nabil Valiulla of Ambergris Canada, and I assess every find myself, for free, within 24 hours. Here is each step in detail.

Follow these five steps in order. They protect the value of your find and get you the fastest possible assessment.

  1. 1
    Don't wash it. Leave it as it is. Don't rinse it in seawater or fresh water: it soaks up water, which damages it and lowers its value.
  2. 2
    Take photos straight away. In natural daylight, from several angles: top, bottom and sides. Add a coin or your hand for scale. These photos are what I look at first.
  3. 3
    Store it correctly. Wrap it loosely in dry cloth or paper and keep it at room temperature, out of direct sun. Don't seal it in an airtight container: it needs to breathe.
  4. 4
    Do a quick self-check. Check the basics with my identification guide: colour, texture, weight and smell. If it passes three or more, it's worth a professional assessment.
  5. 5
    Contact me for a free assessment. Send me your photos. I assess every find myself and reply within 24 hours. No cost, no obligation.

How should I store ambergris?

  1. 1Real ambergris becomes more fragrant when gently warmed. That's a good sign, but don't leave it in a hot car.
  2. 2Keep pieces separate. Don't mix them in the same bag or container.
A pale grey piece of ambergris with swirl lines, photographed in daylight on a kitchen scale

How do I photograph my find?

For the best assessment, send me:

  • 3 to 5 photos in natural daylight, without flash.
  • A top view, a side view and a close-up of the surface.
  • One photo with a coin or a ruler for scale.
  • If you can, a short video of you gently pressing the surface with your thumbnail.
Send me your photos

Ready? Let's find out what you have.

Send me your photos and I'll give you an honest answer within 24 hours. Free, with no obligation.

Get a free assessment

Or contact Nabil directly

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Written and checked by Nabil Valiulla, founder. Updated .

See what I find, as I find it

I post new pieces, field trips and identification tips on Instagram.

Nabil Valiulla, founder of Ambergris Canada
Nabil Valiulla@gris.whisperer

Most of what washes up is driftwood and stone. I post the pieces that aren't, and how I tell them apart.

A hand turning over a shore rock while searching for ambergris
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