The Vault

Services key icon.
Services key icon.

Monday10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Tuesday10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Wednesday10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Thursday10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Friday10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Saturday10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

SundayClosed.

1 Thames St, Oamaru

0210 837 9593

From scheduling in skincare rituals to jumping into your favourite pair of PJs and lighting a delicious candle, it’s the simple pleasures that spark joy. Big fans of that philosophy, The Oamaru Vault launched in August 2024 with a world of products designed to make everyday moments feel that extra bit special, from beauty and homeware to fashion, accessories and cute things for kids.

Monique Lewis first opened MK Beauty & Boutique in the Victorian Precinct in 2023, before relocating to Thames Street and introducing a fun retail experience to complement the beauty salon offering. Housed in the former Colonial Bank Building, the boutique takes its name from the original vault room, which has since been converted into the town’s first infra-red sauna.

From the get-go, The Vault has been all about supporting small local businesses, while also bringing well-loved brands from New Zealand and across the ditch to a local market who could previously only access them online. Alongside names like Kip & Co, Baggu, Brie Leon and Afends, the carefully curated range provides an opportunity to uncover exciting Ōamaru and Otago makers too, including Lover Lover jewellery, Candle Cup Co’s range of natural candles hand poured in town, Emii Lois’s fun and frilly pillows, soft knitwear from Eweburn Creek, and many more.

In keeping with the soothing atmosphere of their beauty salon, The Vault’s spacious interior – with high ceilings, soft natural light and welcoming service – creates a warm and relaxed shopping environment. We highly recommend indulging in the beauty and retail therapy available under one roof by booking a blissful MK Beauty treatment in the next room. You’ll be so glad you did.

Words by Maggie Worthington & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

1 Thames St, Oamaru

Nearby Places

Hub and Sprocket Cycles

Side view of a man holding a bike tyreat Cycle Ventures in Waitaki.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Stay and explore key icon.

Possibly our most bikeable region, the Waitaki is home to plenty of rugged scenery and flat to not-so-flat cycleways. Get your gear sorted and check out the tours that range from day trips to the full A2O at Hub and Sprocket Cycles.

Grainstore Gallery

Close up of Donna Demente painting at Grainstone Gallery in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Galleries and museum key icon.

Not quite a gallery or a studio, Grainstore Gallery is an emporium of local artist Donna Demente’s larger than life paintings and sculptures and the ephemera that informs them. Climb up the stairs and be immersed in her creative world.

Crafted

Unique sculptures and ceramics on table in front of a wall filled with artistic photography at Crafted Gallery in Ōamaru
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

It’s hard not to be inspired by Ōamaru’s rugged coastline and fabled history. The town is home to many talented makers and artists, and at the collective gallery you can explore their work at your own pace.

Forrester Gallery

Upstairs exhibition space at Forrester Gallery highlighting Japanese artwork and ceramics in glass cases
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

One of the best places to get your art fix in the Waitaki region, the Forrester Gallery hosts a rich programme of exciting exhibitions in a historic Ōamaru landmark –...

Similar Places

Silenzio Pottery

Close up of Silenzio Pottery's Andrew Killick
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki

Clay has been used as a medium to craft pottery since prehistoric times, yet its novelty hasn’t worn off – arguably, the allure of a handcrafted ceramic holds...

Jessica Flora + In Good Company

The cream brick building of In Good Company Kurow.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon. Services key icon.

Jessica Flora is a local Waitaki label that specialises in made-to-order clothing and celebrates Mother Earth. Find this brand and others at In Good Company.

Housekeepers Design

Interior view of the shop at Housekeepers Design in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

A beautiful old building full of beautiful new objects. We’re talking New Zealand-made clothing, accessories and homewares that’ll delight even the most discerning of buyers. Do your gift shopping or treat yourself.

Inc. Design

Two women standing behind the counter at Inc. Design Store in Ōamaru
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Fashion key icon.

Not just a shop, gallery or studio but some combination of all three, Ōamaru’s Inc. Design is an experience in and of itself.