Kamino

If you don’t know where Kamino is in the Star Wars galaxy, never fear. You only need to know how to get yourself to Kamino in Wānaka (galaxy: Milky Way) to be transported to a place that serves up healthy, tasty Kiwi café kai. 

A groovy-lettered sign toward the far end of The Precinct laneway points the way to Kamino. Tucked well back from the street, this casual coffee shop and eatery have a spacious, industrial feel that is also light and chic. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels, which peel all the way back when the outside air temperature permits, give way to steel beams running across the exposed ceiling, from which four lamps hang low over the central counter. A glass cabinet sits to the side, its visibly delicious bites beckoning you over to take your pick.

At Kamino, top-quality produce (and coffee) is the raison d'être and shakes, rolls and bowls are what they’re about. Everything is made in-house, and their unique offering extends from intricate tarts, pastries and cakes – the work of Kamino’s full-time pastry chef – to scrumptious sandwiches and salads. They proudly use coffee beans from Ōtepoti’s Common Ground, a small, artisan roastery, and alongside all the usual caffeinated suspects, Kamino also makes a mean Mexican iced coffee with spiced vanilla syrup and your preferred milk. Add Kahlua for a little something extra!

In their quest to perfect the milkshake, Kamino came to the decision that the installation of a giant soft serve machine was necessary. (We’re thinking that some households might feel the same.) Six different flavours are available from their milk bar, or you can order a soft serve (with a flake, of course) in a cup or cone or as an affogato. The perfect thing to park up within Kamino’s sun-drenched courtyard or epic rooftop terrace. 

For a fresh and healthy lunch, delicious drink or sweet treat, there’s something to please everyone’s puku at Kamino.