Old School Collective

Head north from Christchurch along State Highway 1, and you’ll soon come across the rural North Canterbury township of Waikuku, which is home to The Old School Collective. Opened in 2019, the former Waikuku School was transformed into a collaborative business venture by co-founders Lisa Willetts and Sandy Williams, and in 2024 saw new ownership with Danielle Skjellerup. Since opening, this boutique retail and lifestyle precinct has become a day trip destination for many Cantabrians, whether it’s to have a browse amongst the shops or stop in for some lunch.

You won’t miss the retro logo of a soaring dove over a rising sun (the original school logo), marking your destination, and with plenty of free parking at the rear of the complex, it makes for an easy start to your time at The Old School Collective. Whilst it’s clear from the architecture and look of the buildings that this was once a school, so much thought and effort has gone into transforming it into the hub it is today. As you wander through the different buildings, there is a sense of nostalgia mixed with a fresh energy from the different proprietors and the businesses they operate.

Given the diversity of retail offerings, the collective is an appropriate name, and you can quite easily wile away an hour or two wandering between the boutiques and galleries. From pre-loved and new fashion at Louis Who, to finding the perfect present at Wolfe & Diego Gifts, explore a stylish range of Scandinavian indoor and outdoor furniture at Woven Veranda, and enjoy the serenity in The Art Room, where ceramics and paintings take centre stage. There's also Outposte Décor for decor and homewares and Billie's Kitchen for your tea and seasoning needs.

For a little self-care, step into Ageless Antidotes, a calming wellness sanctuary offering mindfully chosen organic and plant-derived skincare alongside holistic facials, massage, body treatments and rituals designed to support skin health and overall wellbeing. Regular yoga, skincare, self-care and wellbeing workshops add another reason to linger.

And for grooming, Room 4 Hairdressing and Best Buddies Dog Grooming take care of both human and canine visitors.

Your visit to The Old School Collective would not be complete without enjoying a coffee or some kai at The Office Cafe. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, nourish your body with their delicious food and recaffeinate. Take a seat on the terrace, and if you’ve got the kids with you, there’s the old court close by, complete with hopscotch lines and play equipment for them to run off some energy before the car trip home. With all this and more on offer, you really must make The Old School Collective your next weekend mission.