The Precinct

Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon. Services key icon.
Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon. Services key icon.

Open 7 days a week

28 Helwick Street, Wanaka

The Precinct came on the Wānaka scene in late 2020 as a stylish, shared complex with a range of alluring retail and hospitality stores.

From intricate tarts and pastries or (and) fried chicken poke bowls at modern coffee shop Kamino, self-care at Ukiyo Salon, high-end shopping at DEVàl, fine, bespoke jewellery from Alice Herald, authentic Mexican and creative cocktails at Paloma, to curated everyday items at Revology Concept Store & Tea House, this new jewel in the Wānaka crown provides thoughtful retail and hospitality in an elegant, yet approachable, space. For the lucky residents of Wānaka, it even boasts a cool co-working space on the top level called Bad Company.

The Precinct is a tried-and-true family-owned business. While the space was purchased by owners Steve and Katrina Norman in 2014, they partnered with their son (an architect) and daughter (in charge of brand development and design) to bring their vision to life. Steve saw it as an opportunity to transform the former 1970s police station into one of his many dreams and schemes: an international and modern take on the dated concept of a shopping mall. The goal was clear: provide a vibrant place for consumers to enjoy while also creating a stomping ground for up-and-comers in the creative scene of Wānaka to exhibit, promote and sell their products and services. A true cornerstone of the community.

The complex bears no resemblance to the sterile shopping malls of the past. Rather, the design inspiration comes from a New York precinct (fitting, as it was originally a police station!) with concrete and light-coloured brick throughout. There’s even an expansive rooftop terrace that feels like you’re relaxing in the Mediterranean, if not for the distinctive Wānaka mountain range views. An afternoon of shopping and hospitality before calling it a day on a sunny rooftop? Don’t mind if we do.

Words by Caitlin Brown & Photography by Nancy Zhou & Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

28 Helwick Street, Wanaka

Nearby Places

Revology Concept Store

Wide angle view of Revology Wanaka.
Place Wānaka Editor's Pick
Fashion key icon.

French composite and materials specialist, Alex, and New Zealand human rights lawyer, Monique, are the heart and soul behind Wānaka’s concept store and tea house centred around conscious living.

Fedeli

The-entrance-to-fedeli
Place Wānaka
Cafes key icon.

A deli with a difference, Fedeli speaks volumes about creating an aesthetically pleasing space that offers up salads, pastries and coffee done well.

Federal Diner

Staff member making a Chemex coffee.
Place Wānaka
Cafes key icon.

Hidden down an alleyway, Federal is a Wānaka best-kept secret and a favourite with the locals thanks to its great food, speciality coffee and relaxed atmosphere.

Alice Herald

Two hands holding a beautiful pink diamond ring.
Place Wānaka
Fashion key icon. Services key icon.

Couture is a word most often associated with high-end fashion, but down Wānaka’s sleek laneway, The Precinct, you will find a window displaying Alice Herald’s...

Similar Places

The Next Chapter

The outside of The Next Chapter, Wānaka on a sunny day.
Place Wānaka

Located out front of Paradiso Cinema, in a purpose-built, architecturally designed, scaled-up kiosk, The Next Chapter provides readers with an intimate escape from the...

The Green Room

The interior of The Green Room flower and plant store with light pink counters.
Place Wānaka
Goods key icon.

A smart, fresh and colourful botanical store, The Green Room is the place to come for beautiful plants or a big bouquet for someone special.

Hāwea Store & Kitchen

A fireplace and tables and chairs.
Place Wānaka
Goods key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A community hub that combines a grocer, café, restaurant and bar overlooking the lake.

Cardrona Hotel

Historic cream and maroon weatherboard frontage of Cardrona Hotel with a vintage cream 1968 Chrysler Model 62 parked in front.
Place Wānaka Editor's Pick
Accommodation key icon. Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Rumoured to be the most photographed building in the country, Cardrona Hotel was built in 1863 first and foremost as a place to stay for hardworking gold miners.