Bookstores Guide for Expat in Auckland
Because most books are imported into New Zealand, they are more expensive than you might expect – a paperback novel usually costs upwards of $20.
New Zealand has several large bookstore chains and many independent bookstores as well as chain stores that sell both books and stationery.
Foreign-language books can be difficult to find in New Zealand – they must be special-ordered through a large bookstore or found at the library.
Whitcoulls – http://www.whitcoulls.co.nz
67 stores Nationwide, 21 locations in Auckland, plus an online store.
New Zealand’s largest bookstore chain offers free standard delivery on online orders, foreign language books by special order and a loyalty scheme for avid book buyers.
Take Note — http://www.takenote.co.nz/
80+ stores Nationwide and 7 locations in Auckland. No online store.
Stationery store with a medium-sized selection of books. Primarily best-selling and recent fiction and nonfiction, classics and a small selection of special interest books across all major categories – cookbooks, self-help, finance, travel, etc… Offers AA rewards points on purchases.
Paper Plus http://www.paperplus.co.nz
100+ stores Nationwide, 26 stores in Auckland and an online store
Combined book and stationery store with medium-sized selection of books. Primarily bestsellers and recent fiction and non-fiction. Medium-sized selection of special interest titles. Wider selection available by special order and online. Foreign language books by special order. Offers Flybuys rewards points on purchases.
The Nile (online only) – http://www.thenile.co.nz
Wide selection of English language books. Free shipping on everything. Delivery in 5-7 business days. Foreign-language books by special order.
Fishpond (online only) – http://www.fishpond.co.nz
Wide selection of English-language books, DVDs and CDs. Free shipping available on all orders. Books can be delivered as quickly as 24 hours, depending on whether or not they are in stock. Foreign-language books by special order.
The Warehouse – http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz
Stores Nationwide and throughout Auckland, plus online store.
Good selection of best-selling and recent releases with some occasional obscure finds of NZ classics.
The Book Depository (online only) – http://www.bookdepository.com
6 million books and free shipping Worldwide.
Jason Books – http://www.jasonbooks.co.nz/
Fantastic second hand book store in downtown Auckland. Find them at 3 Lorne Street. Catalogue is browsable online.
Parsons
26 Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD.
Independent bookstore specialising in art theory, design, architecture, photography, fashion and international art, as well as a large range of NZ, Maori and Pacific Island books.
Rare Books
6 High Street, Auckland CBD
Two levels of rare and collectible books. If you’re missing a first edition, you might find it here.
Unity Books – http://www.unitybooks.co.nz/
19 High Street, Auckland CBD and 57 Willis Street, Wellington
Great shop if you love to browse new and second hand books and find obscure, interesting books that you may not otherwise find out about. A very un-ordinary bookstore.
