The Bookshops in Wellington You Can’t Miss
Whether you’re a backpacker, a university student or a local who likes a good read, Wellington is the best place in New Zealand if you want to put your head in a book. With around 18 bookshops around the city alone, you’ll struggle to go wrong. Choose from specialist book stores in Wellington to super affordable second-hand book stores! We’ve picked out some of the best places to pick up some books with this list of Wellington bookshops! Plus, see other activities like visiting Wellington’s bookshops in the 10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Wellington.
Wellington Sights for Book-lovers!
While you’re in the cultural hub of New Zealand, don’t miss the places of interest for bookworms. Take the Wellington Writers Work on the waterfront and try to find sculptural quotations from 23 different authors. See the sculpture of Katherine Mansfield, New Zealand’s most internationally recognised literary figure, in Midland Park. Or visit her birthplace on 25 Tinakori Road. Also on Tinakori Road is the “Way of Words” with pavers of quotes from some local writing legends.
1. Arty Bees Books
Stock up for the travels ahead at Wellington’s largest second-hand book store! As you can imagine, there are books on every topic from New Zealand and from all over the world. They are open daily, even late nights on Fridays and Saturdays.
Location: The Oaks, Manners Street.
© Brianna Laugher on Flickr2. Pegasus Books
Pegasus Books is an attraction in itself with that old-school bookshop vibe complete with rolling library ladders! Browse through new and used books covering all kinds of topics: fiction and non-fiction. You won’t regret getting lost in this bookshelf labyrinth. They are open 10am-8pm daily (or until 6pm on Sundays).
Location: Left Bank, Cuba Mall.
© Pxhere3. Te Papa Store
Like in the museum, you could spend hours discovering the treasures of this store. The Te Papa Store has a great range of New Zealand award-winning titles, so it’s definitely worth investigating if you want to learn more about New Zealand. For more museums, see 12 Free Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington.
Location: 55 Cable Street. (Level 2 in the Te Papa Museum).
© Tourism NZ4. Graphic Comic Shop
For all things comics, head to Wellington one-stop comic book shop, Graphic Comic Shop. They boast selling New Zealand’s largest range of graphic novels, from the latest superhero releases to manga to TV/movie adaptations. They are open daily, so pop in for a look!
Location: 106 Cuba Street.
© Pixabay5. Children’s Bookshop Kilbirnie
If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss the Children’s Bookshop in Kilbirnie! They have all you could ever want to keep the kids entertained. Plus, the store has won numerous national bookshop awards.
Location: Kilbirnie Plaza, Kilbirnie.
© Pixabay6. Pinnacle Books
There are some interesting reads sold at this mind, body and spirit specialists on Willis Street. Pinnacle Books has a wide range of books covering self-improvement, bodywork, nutrition, spirituality and more. Open Monday to Saturday.
Location: 150 Willis Street.
© Alan Levine on Flickr7. Weta Cave
Weta is a digital effects and props manufacturer for blockbuster movies. Their Weta Cave shop sells all kinds of books related to their projects and the movies and shows they work on. On top of that, pick up limited edition sculptures, prop replicas, jewellery and much more. Behind-the-scenes tours, a free mini-museum and free screening can be enjoyed here too. For more Wellington movie magic, see 15 Best Film Locations in Wellington for Movie Buffs.
Location: 1 Weka Street, Miramar.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Paper Plus Lambton Square
Pick up a great gift or awesome read from the Paper Plus store in Lambton Square. The popular New Zealand book store chain holds a huge selection of books, gifts, cards, magazines, stationery and more.
Location: 180 Lambton Quay.
© Pear285 on Wikipedia9. Vic Books Kelburn
There are two Vic Books stores, one in Kelburn and one is Pipitea. These are primarily university textbook stores. However, they also have a diverse range of other books and gifts. The Kelburn store also has a cafe and sells stationary.
Location: Easterfield Building, Gate 4, 1 Kelburn Parade.
© Max Pixel10. Unity Books
An independent bookshop operating two sister stores in New Zealand, the Unity Books store in Wellington is centrally located and easy to find. They have a huge variety of titles available, but if they don’t have what you’re looking for, more often than not they’ll order it in especially for you. The store has been in business in Wellington for more than 50 years. What’s more, it’s often the city’s go-to for book launches.
Location: 57 Willis Street.
© Pexels[CLOSED] Wellington Central Library
[UPDATE: Wellington Central Library is closed and will be moving to a new location.]
The library seems like the pretty obvious place to go for books, but we’ll include it in this list anyway. The Wellington Central Library is home to more than 600,000 books! As well as all sorts of non-fiction for adults and children, there is an extensive collection of New Zealand history books. They are open daily, except for public holidays.
Location: 65 Victoria Street.
© r K Hanger at en.wikipedia
