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

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.

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.

The Workroom

White shelves of crockery, glassware and other homewares on display in a sunlight-filled room in The Workroom.
Place Wānaka

Aesthetic is what The Workroom does best, so it’s not surprising walking in here is a pleasure in itself.

Thieving Kea

Exterior of Thieving Kea.
Place Wānaka

Perched along Wānaka’s picture-perfect lakefront, Thieving Kea is a family-run boutique that captures the heart of Aotearoa’s artisan culture and natural beauty.

Similar Places

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.

Heatwave

View of clothing in Heatwave.
Place Wānaka
Services key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Located on Dunmore Street in Wānaka, Heatwave is a community hub as much as it is an outdoor lifestyle store.

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.

Kai Whaka Pai

Customers sitting on tables outside the bar.
Place Wānaka
Bars key icon.

An absolute town institution, this place is humming with people Monday to Sunday, winter through to summer.