The Top 15 Auckland Bookstores for Your Next Literary Loot
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: February 2024 Admit it, we’ve all been there. You walk into a bookstore, vowing to emerge with just one book, maybe two if they’re on sale.
Five hours later, you’re pretty sure you’ve “accidentally” adopted a family of books to add to the TBR pile. But hey, that’s the magic of bookstores, right? And we bookworms wouldn’t have it any other way.
Anyway, you’re probably here because you’re looking to do another book shopping spree. Luckily for you, after reading up and down the isles of Auckland’s many bookstores, I’ve found the best ones for those literary loot days.
So, if you can’t wait to get your hands on new books, here are my picks for the very best bookstores in Auckland.
1. Unity Books Auckland
Address: 19 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +64 9 307 0731
Unity Books is a vibrant hub for literary events, and its shelves overflow with new releases. They often host author talks, poetry readings, book clubs, and tonnes of other events to get the community involved with reading.
And they even have a special section just for children—Little Unity.
Pro Tip: To stay on top of their booklover events, subscribe to their newsletter on their website.
2. Hard to Find Books
Address: 2 Saint Benedicts Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Phone: +64 09 368 4898
At Hard to Find Books, prepare yourself to get lost in a maze of bookshelves brimming with over 500,000 secondhand books.
From rare antiquarian finds to modern 1st editions, they have every genre imaginable in this shop. (You won’t find these books on Amazon—that’s for sure.)
And in case you don’t find what you’re looking for in the shop, check out their online inventory. They make sure your book gets delivered to you safely and in mint condition.
Pro Tip: If you want to sell your own used books, get in touch with them via phone or email!
3. Time Out Bookstore
Address: 432 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 9 630 3331
Time Out Bookstores is a treasure trove for all bibliophiles. They fill their shelves with carefully chosen titles, from contemporary fiction to quirky independent authors.
Their cosy nooks invite you to curl up with a book, listen to their author talks, and take part in their book launches.
Pro Tip: Join their book subscription service. You’ll get hand-picked books that are perfectly tailored to your reading taste delivered to your doorstep every month.
4. The Open Book
Address: 201 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +64 9 360 1741
The Open Book is a portal to literary adventures. Unassuming from the outside, this bookshop unveils its magic upon stepping through the door.
From vintage classics to contemporary paperbacks, you’re guaranteed to find cherished reads. And make sure you take a minute to check out their garden for a cosy escape.
Pro Tip: They’re partnered with Libro.fm, which means you can get audiobooks too!
5. The Green Dolphin Bookshop
Address: 82 Pitt Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
The Green Dolphin Bookshop is the place for bookworms to get lost. Each book in their store is of pure quality. Plus, one of the best things about this place is that you have opportunities to stumble upon signed first editions.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out on their Facebook page to find out about any of their upcoming events.
6. The Women’s Bookshop
Address: 105 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +64 9 376 4399
The Women’s Bookshop is a haven for book lovers, especially those seeking a feminist perspective. Most of the books sold here focus on feminist literature, non-fiction, and pretty much any book written by or for women.
This shop is a safe space to celebrate women’s voices and find inspiration through the pages of a good book.
Depending on the time you come here, you’ll be able to run into various authors showcasing their work. If you’re interested in their author events, check out their website.
Pro Tip: They also have a children’s section for the little ones to enjoy!
7. Books on High
Address: 8 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday – 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 27 665 5306
At Books on High, floor-to-ceiling shelves are brimming with new releases and classic gems. They focus on rare and esoteric books that delve into mythicism (if you’re into that).
However, even if you’re a die-hard fiction fan or a casual reader, they’ve still got the book for you.
Pro Tip: On their website, they have collectibles available for purchase. Think really old documents and books from the 1700s.
8. The Little Book Shop
Address: 1C/415 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 9 520 0081
The Little Book Shop, as the name suggests, is a quaint, small-scale bookstore. But the moment you step inside, you’ll find novels, children’s stories, and more. (And yes, the smell of books old and new fills the air.)
They have a decent selection of poetry books, art books, and, of course, classic literature too. But if there’s a book that you can’t find, don’t hesitate to ask the booksellers on duty. (They won’t bite.)
Pro Tip: If you’re in need of book-related gifts, this is the place for you. They have various bookends, gift certificates, and stationery.
9. Bookmark Secondhand and Antiques
Bookmark Secondhand and Antiques
Address: 15 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +64 9 445 2960
Bookmark Secondhand and Antiques is a must-visit destination for book enthusiasts and antique collectors alike. Their store is filled with over 20,000 vintage books and antique items, each with its own story to tell.
The books on offer range from classic literature to recent best sellers, providing a good mix that caters to all readers.
Pro Tip: On their website, they showcase featured collectives available in the shop!
10. Lamplight Books
Address: G01/100 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 9 200 0290
Lamplight Books carries a unique charm that sets it apart from the city’s massive bookstore scene.
If anything, its name is a fitting metaphor, as this shop illuminates the minds of young readers and all who are willing to take a literary journey. They maintain an extensive selection of genres, from mystery and fantasy to biographies and academic literature.
However, Lamplight’s true speciality lies in its impressive collection of independent titles. These carefully created books are perfect for readers who want to explore off-beaten-path narratives.
Pro Tip: Make sure you check out the small café tucked away in the corner of the bookshop.
11. Parallel Speculative Fiction
Address: Unit D/501 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Parallel Speculative Fiction is a must-visit for anyone with a love for the fantastical and the futuristic. They have an extensive collection of science fiction, fantasy, and, really, all things fiction.
Parallel also focuses on books from and about people of colour, LGBTQ+, and unique voices in writing. It’s a space for readers to connect and share their love of speculative fiction.
Pro Tip: On their website, you can purchase audiobooks!
12. Rare Books
Address: 6 High Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours: Tuesday – 10 AM to 2 PM
Phone: +64 9 379 0379
Rare Books specialises in antiquarian treasures, with shelves adorned with leather-bound volumes, first editions, and signed copies. Come here if you’re looking for a specific title or simply to browse.
They also sell 18th- and 19th-century maps, engravings, photographs, and postcards, perfect for serious collectors or as a very special gift.
Pro Tip: As they are only open on Tuesdays, make sure to come early to beat the crowds.
13. The Booklover
Address: 1 Milford Road, Milford, Auckland 0620, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 9 489 8836
The Booklover is an independent bookstore that’s been around for over 20 years. Clearly, they know how to pick a great selection of books.
They focus on quality over quantity. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t find international best-sellers on their shelves or nonfiction titles not many know about.
To go along with The Booklover’s vast selection of books, they host regular workshops, author signings, and various author talks.
Pro Tip: Come on Sunday if you want to avoid the crowds.
14. Dear Reader
Address: 436 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +64 9 360 0383
Dear Reader is a refuge for anyone seeking solace in the rustle of pages. And the booksellers here handpick their titles with an eye for thought-provoking page-turners.
So, whether you’re on the hunt for a gritty crime thriller or a scholarly book on astrophysics, you’ll find it here.
Pro Tip: They have a treasure trove of pre-loved books in the back of the shop. You might come across a vintage classic while looking through these shelves.
15. Paradox Books
Address: 26 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +64 9 446 0023
For bookworms venturing beyond the Auckland CBD, Paradox Books beckons with its quaint charm. Paradox’s magic lies in the curated fiction books, international best sellers, and literary classics.
They also have a specific section tailored to books by local Devenport authors—who knows, you might find something you like.
Pro Tip: Make sure to browse through their charming stationary, whimsical puzzles and bookish trinkets.
