Jackson Street has got to be one of the most exciting retail precincts in the country. Located in the heart of Petone – the gateway to the Hutt – and only 10 minutes from Wellington City, Jackson Street has just about everything for the shopper, casual visitor and tourist.

Along a retail strip nearly a kilometre in length are a huge variety of specialty shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, neatly arranged among unique heritage buildings and displaying a wide range of goods and services simply not available elsewhere.

Visiting Jackson Street is an experience of old world charm and modern service. Where else can you buy a packet of nails (only as many as you need), or sample a slice of Dutch cheese and then relax in a funky café with a superb latté or sip a quality New Zealand wine on a sunny sidewalk?

The street boasts dozens of cafés and restaurants, providing everything from quality counter food to exotic Thai and Malaysian, Italian and Mexican. There’s even a German bakery. Several bars serve everything from a cold beer to elegant wines and cocktails.

Dotted along the street are several second-hand and antique shops, where there’s always something unusual to be found. There are also gift shops, clothing stores specially for children and bigger sizes, art galleries, book shops, a store dedicated to cats, another packed with Pacific Island wares, an internet café … the list goes on.

The Jackson Street experience can be as simple as enjoying a superb coffee, or a day’s outing of full-on shopping, strolls to take in the heritage buildings, and a meal or entertainment to finish the day.

The Jackson Street Programme – which represents the street’s business and building owners – organises street activities and promotions. The JSP co-ordinator can be found most days in the old jailhouse at 274b Jackson Street.

Check out 'Place Finder' Hutt City.

Check out the following retailers, bars and cafes on Jackson Street: