There’s nothing like being lost in a second-hand bookshop and finding a book that was meant to meet you.
We collect great bookshops as well as great books – here’s our favourite shops to satisfy both mind and soul.
1/10
The Book Exchange, Glen Eden, Auckland
Both a bookstore and a coffee shop, The Book Exchange on Glendale Rd offers the best of both worlds in a relaxing space.
2/10
Hard to Find Books, Onehunga, Auckland
After 30 years in the business, Hard to Find Books is one of the largest second-hand bookshops in town. It’s Onehunga premises is an eclectic enclave of interesting and rare books. The upper mezzanine floor may shake a little as you look around, but it’s well worth getting lost in this warren of wonderful reads.
3/10
The Green Dolphin, Central Auckland
Down St Kevins Arcade, off Karangahape Road, The Green Dolphin is a welcoming and relaxed store with secondhand books, movies, games and other trinkets.
4/10
Browsers, Central Hamilton
Recommended by one of our readers, Browsers is a nostalgic bookshop where vintage boxing gloves and Singer sewing machines fit right in between the wooden shelves. Appealing to all ages, it has a delightful kid’s corner, which is more like a Peter Rabbit inspired bunkroom, and is open until 9.30pm for late-night book hunts.
5/10
Art Bees Books, Central Wellington
This family-run business housed in The Oaks, Manner Street, is more spacious than your usual poky second-hand book shop – but it’s still packed with old classics and quirky finds, including vintage magazines.
6/10
The Ferret Bookshop, Central Wellington
Just past the bucket fountain on Cuba Street, The Ferret Bookshop is another old and dear shop, with pre-loved books for every interest.
7/10
Smith’s Bookshop, Central Christchurch
Established in 1984, Smith’s Bookshop is now housed in the trendy Tannery’s boutique emporium after the Christchurch earthquake. It stocks antiquarian and unusual books and can even send your old-world love notes, operating as a NZ Post shop as well.
8/10
The Flying Monkey, Wanganui
In the historic heart of Wanganui, on Ridgway Street, The Flying Monkey is a picturesque pre-loved bookstore with a high quality collection and delightful collectors’ items.
9/10
The Black Cat Bookshop, Queenstown
This hidden gem in O’Connell’s Mall on Camp Street, has second-hand books from all decades and very helpful staff, plus the inspirational blackboard can brighten your day alone.
10/10
Dead Souls Bookshop, Dunedin Central
Don’t let the name frighten you away – Dead Souls, named after the novel by Russian writer Nikolai Gogol, is a charming bookstore on Princes Street complete with hand-printed bookmarks. Follow its Facebook to see what ephemera the team find among their many shelves.
