Below is a list of the top and leading Bookstores in Auckland. To help you find the best Bookstores located near you in Auckland, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Auckland’s Best Bookstores:
The top rated Bookstores in Auckland are:
- ubiq Bookshop – 50 years of providing quality academic book selections to Auckland
- Time Out Bookstore – multi-awarded bookshop at the heart of Mt. Eden Village
- Hard To Find Books – stocks a special collection of rare book genres and limited-edition books
- Whitcoulls Botany – the leading retailer of literary works in the country
- The Women’s Bookshop – specializes in women self-help and inspirational books
ubiq Bookshop
ubiq Bookshop is formerly known as University Bookshop to the Univesity of Auckland academic community. It has maintained such a name for 50 years owing to its dedication to academic books. They have served private individuals, small-medium enterprises, and even huge multinational corporations and government offices. The recent change was inspired by the addition of other book genres to their main offerings. By changing its name it would be able to offer more selections from children’s books, research materials to everything that one can need.
Products/Services:
Fiction, Non-Fiction, Stationery, Merchandise, Gifts, Wrap, & Cards, Course Equipment & Apparel
LOCATION:
Address: 2 Alfred Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Phone: (493) 062-700
Website: www.ubiq.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“Might be the best secondhand bookshop I’ve been to, at least in terms of ambience: the stock is pretty good too. Its certainly nice to sit in the garden out the back of this lovely villa, sipping the complimentary coffee, whilst reviewing one’s finds.” –Jem Traylen
Time Out Bookstore
Time Out Bookstore has been an independent bookshop since it was established in 1988. From its location at the middle of Mt. Eden Village in Auckland, it serves countless book options to book enthusiasts. On top of that, they are a multi-awarded bookstore that was recognized as the New Zealand Bookseller of the Year in 2016, London Book Fair International Bookseller of the Year Finalist for the year 2017, and 2017-2019 Albert-Eden Best Retail Store. They are composed of selected staff that have an undying love for books and knowledge. A special room upstairs is dedicated to literary events and activities of book clubs.
Products/Services:
Socks, Vouchers, Children’s Books, Cards, Books of Various Genres
LOCATION:
Address: 432 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024
Phone: (496) 303-331
Website: www.timeout.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“Lovely little bookstore in the Mt Eden village. Reasonable coverage of fiction and non-fiction books. They also sell branded greeting cards. There is a children’s book section as well with both picture book and fiction for young adults. Please check out their specials which are great value for money!” –Krazy Kreatives
Hard To Find Books
Hard To Find Books started in a small spot at a garage in John Street Ponsonby in 1983. The following years of success enabled them to transfer to another location in Onehunga. It also resulted in its expansion to five cities within New Zealand which widened its reach. The bookstore stocks up on books that are literally almost not available anywhere. Their physical store carries a wide array of book selections entirely different from their online stocks that are estimated to be more than 140,000.
Products/Services:
Agriculture, Anthropology, Antiques, Archaeology, Architecture, Arts, Autobiography, Aviation, Biograph,y Business, Cinema, Computers, Cooking, Cricket, Drama, Economics, Engineering, Environment, Feminism, Geography, Geology, History, Languages, Law, Literary, Criticism, Literature, Maori, Medicine, Military, Modern First Edition, Music, Mythology, Natural, History, Nautical, New Zealand, Pacific, Philosophy, Photography, Poetry, Politics, Proof Copies, Psychology, Railways, Reference, Religion, Rugby, Science, Signed, Sociology, Specials, Sports, Technology, Theology, Transport, Travel, Vehicle Manual
LOCATION:
Address: 2 Saint Benedicts Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010
Phone: (493) 684-898
Website: www.hardtofind.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“In Auckland, this is one of my favourite places to spend an afternoon. My latest purchase was through their online store and I am very happy with the transaction. The books arrived swiftly and were in the condition just as described on the website. Would use again.” –Lex Edmonds
Whitcoulls Botany
Whitcoulls Botany is a huge retailer of books in the country with more than 50 branches serving the entire nation. It was established 130 years ago by a bookbinder and printer named George Tombs and a bookseller and publisher known as George Whitcombe. Today it is owned and managed by the John Pascoe Group that also operates the Stewart Dawsons, The Farmers Trading Co, Stevens, Pascoes the Jewellers, and Goldmark. Its Auckland branch just like its other stores has stationery, puzzles, greeting cards, games, magazines, wraps aside from their book offerings.
Products/Services:
Books, Stationery, Art & Craft, Games & Puzzle, Toys, Gifts
LOCATION:
Address: Shop 0642/588 Chapel Road, East Tamaki, Auckland 2016
Phone: (499) 845-408
Website: www.whitcoulls.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“Well done for being one of the few stores keeping control of the COVID distancing and overcrowding. Limited entry and monitored while every other store was a free for all.” –
Karl Wallace
The Women’s Bookshop
The Women’s Bookshop stood out from its location in Ponsonby Road as the premier provider of literary works. Being an area most commonly known for its bright atmosphere dominated by food establishments and bars, having the special bookshop at the same local neighbourhood helped add diversity to the area. The store has always been dedicated to promoting women’s passion for literary pieces and the unique interests and lifestyles of women. They have been a trusted provider of counselling and therapy books to the whole country.
Products/Services:
Anti-Racist Reading List, Greeting Cards, Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Children’s Books, Art & Design, AudioBooks, Ceremonies/Celebrants, Cooking, Food & Wine, Economics, Education, Environment & Climate, Essays & Anthologies, Feminism/Women’s Studies, Gardening, Gift Vouchers, Gifts, Grief & Loss, Health, History, House & Home, Humour, Journals, Calendars, LGBTQI+, New Zealand, Parenting, Personal Development, Philosophy
Poetry, Politics, Psychology & Counselling, Reference, Relationships, Sciences, Sexuality, Social Work, Society & Culture, Spirituality, Sport, Suicide, Teenagers, Travel Guides, Travel Narratives, Work/Career/Management, Writing & Reading
LOCATION:
Address: 105 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
Phone: (493) 764-399
Website: www.womensbookshop.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“Love their selection! They have this interesting roster or list/poster of recommended books per year. Definitely not your regular bookstore. Will definitely keep coming back here.:)” –Bernice Kathryn Fonte