Bookstores in Auckland: Auckland has a wide range of bookstore options. That being said, we should not overlook these literary corners. Go out on weekends with your friends and visit these stores. Be it college work, Novels, Biographies, or Autobiographies, we have all that you need. We have located Auckland’s top bookstores to bring book lovers joy.
Table of contents
Time Out Bookstore
Established in 1988, the Time Out bookstore is situated at the heart of Mt Eden Village. The books are famous for having an interesting front-page cover that captures the visitor’s eyes.
This bookstore is located just a 5 minute’s walk away from the University of Auckland, Epsom Campus, because of which, this bookstore is always full of varieties of book lovers from the college, this bookstore has won several awards such as a runner-up in “Independent bookshop of the year”, for four consecutive years, and they were awarded with Metro Magazine best bookshop award in the year ‘09. So on weekends or after hectic classes in the afternoons, grab a cup of coffee and come here to relieve your stress.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 432 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024 |
| Established | 1988 |
| Specialty | Eye-catching covers, curated selections, fiction, lifestyle |
| Awards | Runner-up “Independent Bookshop of the Year” (4 years), Metro Best ’09 |
| Student Appeal | 5 mins from University of Auckland (Epsom Campus) |
| 5 mins from the University of Auckland (Epsom Campus) | Cosy, relaxing with coffee nearby |
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Unity Books Bookstore
From Fantasy books to Fiction Books, you will get them all in Unity Bookstore. It is situated on the High Street in Auckland and provides you with the best releases from all over the world. This Unity bookstore was first opened inside the campus of Oxford University with an average earnings of 20 to 30 US dollars at a time. Then they opened their branch in Auckland in 89, and since then it has been popular among various age groups, even among the students from student housing in Auckland.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 19 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 |
| Established | Auckland branch since 1989 |
| Specialty | Global fiction & fantasy, bestsellers |
| Background | Originally started at Oxford University |
| Student Appeal | Huge variety, popular among student housing communities |
| Ambiance | Modern, vibrant, well-stocked |
Bookmark Second-hand Bookstore
If you ever get a chance to visit Devonport in Auckland, don’t forget to visit Bookmark second-hand bookstore. This store will give a feeling of unique heritage and a warm and welcoming atmosphere by providing you with rare and used books that are cheap. This bookshop keeps books on Aviation, Art and culture, and Military books, especially for the students to increase their knowledge on these subjects.
This store is decorated with chairs and tables so that you can read your book there and there in a peaceful ambience.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 15 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland 0624 |
| Specialty | Second-hand books on Aviation, Military, Art & Culture |
| Price Range | Budget-friendly, great for student wallets |
| Ambiance | Vintage, cosy with chairs & reading nooks |
| Student Appeal | Great for expanding niche subject knowledge |
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The Little Bookshop
The Little Bookstore, Hidden behind the main Remuera street, this bookstore is a delightful new addition to our list of the best bookstores in Auckland. The Little Bookshop has been carefully selected by book lovers who are passionate about literature, so whether you seek a new bestseller, a popular summer read, or a timeless classic, the staff can help you find the perfect book which will be your friend at student accommodation in Australia. The Little Book Shop began operating in June 2022. It offers a wide and meticulously selected variety of books, catering to all interests. This shop even has a secluded area on the first floor for arranging book meets and other events.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1C/415 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050 |
| Established | 2022 |
| Specialty | Carefully curated new releases and classics |
| Extras | Event space for book meets and readings |
| Student Appeal | Helpful staff, quiet browsing, ideal for literature lovers |
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Cook the Books
In this shop, you can explore different cuisines and chefs, as well as dining experiences, through a diverse selection of food-related books. Additionally, there is a demonstration kitchen and culinary workshop at the location for individuals interested in a more interactive learning experience, with classes offered year-round. Gordon Ramsay, Anthony Bourdain, Rick Stein, and Peta Mathias have all been seen at Cook the Books, gaining attention from the culinary industry. You can find us in an old corner store located at 139 Richmond Road, at the corner of Norfolk Street in Grey Lynn, Auckland. In the back of the shop, there is a bright courtyard where you can enjoy sitting, unwinding, and reading.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 78 Kelmarna Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021 |
| Specialty | Food, culinary books, chefs’ memoirs |
| Facilities | Live cooking demos, kitchen workshops |
| Notable Visitors | Gordon Ramsay, Anthony Bourdain, Rick Stein |
| Student Appeal | Perfect for culinary students & foodies |
The Women’s Bookshop
Tucked away in Ponsonby, The Women’s Bookshop is a warm, inclusive space known for books by and about women. It’s a great place for students exploring gender studies, therapy, or LGBTQIA+ literature. The staff here are friendly and helpful, always ready with recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a comforting read or an empowering one, this independent gem has something that’ll stick with you.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 105 Ponsonby Road, Auckland 1011 |
| Specialty | Books by/about women, LGBTQIA+, therapy & feminism |
| Inclusive Vibe | Warm, supportive, community-driven |
| Student Appeal | Ideal for gender studies, literature & psychology students |
Hard to Find Bookshop
This quirky shop in Eden Terrace lives up to its name. Set inside a former nunnery, Hard to Find Bookshop offers rare, vintage, and out-of-print books across all genres. It feels like stepping into a literary maze, and you could easily spend hours here. If you’re on a student budget but still want interesting reads or collectable editions, this spot is well worth a visit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2/1 O’Connell Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland |
| Specialty | Rare, vintage, and out-of-print books |
| Setting | Set in a former nunnery, maze-like layout |
| Student Appeal | Budget-friendly treasures, great for collectors |
The Open Book
Housed in a Victorian-style villa, The Open Book in Ponsonby feels like a cosy living room filled with second-hand treasures. Perfect for students who love browsing or need affordable reads, it also hosts regular community events like poetry nights and book swaps. You can even sit in the garden with a book in hand—ideal for de-stressing after exams or weekend chill time.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 201 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011 |
| Specialty | Second-hand books in all genres |
| Ambiance | Garden seating, villa-style charm |
| Events | Poetry nights, book swaps |
| Student Appeal | Perfect for weekend browsing or quiet reading time |
Rare Books
If you love history or are studying anything archival or literary, Rare Books on High Street is a must-visit. They specialise in antique books, maps, and historical artefacts. It’s a small, two-floor store that feels like a time capsule. Though it caters to serious collectors, curious students can explore and learn a lot here too. Just handling some of the books feels like an experience in itself.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 233 High Street, Auckland CBD |
| Specialty | Antique books, maps, historic documents |
| Vibe | Quiet, scholarly, like a time capsule |
| Student Appeal | Ideal for history, literature & archival studies |
Paradox Book
Located in Devonport, Paradox Books is a quiet, charming shop with a well-curated collection for readers of all ages. It’s a great place for students to find fiction, non-fiction, and even unique local reads. The staff are book lovers themselves and often host small community events. If you’re ever in Devonport, this peaceful space is a lovely escape from the rush of campus life.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 26 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland 0624 |
| Specialty | General fiction, non-fiction, local works |
| Ambiance | Calm, quiet, intimate setting |
| Community | Hosts local readings & meetups |
| Student Appeal | Peaceful study escape with a friendly vibe |
Auckland’s diverse bookshops offer more than just books—they’re vibrant cultural hubs. From historic second-hand stores to modern literary spaces, each shop provides a unique experience for readers and students alike. Whether you’re seeking rare finds or contemporary bestsellers, Auckland’s bookstores cater to every literary taste.
FAQ’S
Hedley’s Bookstore is the largest bookstore in New Zealand.
Bookstores in Auckland that are independent are Time Out Bookstore, The Little Shop, and Unity Books.
Indeed! The largest bookstore chain in Auckland is Whitcoulls.
Some of the bookstores that offer a student discount are Unity Bookstore, Whitcoulls and Cook the Books. To avail of this, you have to take your student identity card along.
Indeed! The two bookstores that offer you an extra space for studying are Time Out Bookstore and Unity Books.
Little Unity, an extension of Unity Books, is dedicated to children’s literature, offering a wide selection of books for young readers.
Cook the Books in Grey Lynn specializes in cookbooks and culinary literature, often hosting cooking demonstrations and workshops.
The Women’s Bookshop in Ponsonby offers a curated selection of feminist and LGBTQ+ literature, supporting diverse voices and stories.
Unity Books provides a comprehensive range of academic and scholarly books, including literature, history, and philosophy.
Fishpond.co.nz is a prominent online bookstore based in Auckland, offering a vast selection of books and other products with nationwide delivery.
This was all about the Bookstores in Auckland, We hope that this blog has given you the insights that you need. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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