Lamplight Books

Monday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tuesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Wednesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Thursday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Friday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Saturday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Sunday11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

G01/100 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

09 200 0290

Bibliophiles should make a beeline for Lamplight Books, an elegant bookstore situated along Parnell’s main strip. It’s fair to say there isn’t a shopping experience quite comparable to stepping into this expertly curated Auckland store. 

The set-up itself is everything you’d want out of a bookstore, offering thoughtful displays and sky-high shelving, serene light-filled interiors and an overall sense of calm.  

The idea for Lamplight was born out of the pandemic. With all their plans up in the air, founders Melanie and Courtney thought “why not open a store?” Lucky for us, they followed through with that thought, and Lamplight Books opened its doors in 2021. 

The offering is focused on curating literature, art and culture reads, so we can promise you’re in good hands here. The team has both done time at Unity Books over the past few years, while Melanie holds a Master of Creative Writing and Courtney also works for a publishing house. There aren’t two better people to help you choose your next page-turner. 

In terms of the range, you’ll find a beautiful selection of art, architecture, design and Te Ao Māori to peruse. We particularly love the section that reflects the creatives,  architects and designers of Parnell—a true celebration of the surrounding suburb. 

There’s also fiction spanning, modern fiction, poetry to fantasy and crime. The People and their Journey’s section is full of interesting biographies and memoirs. Foodies are covered with cookbooks, while there are even options on natural history, science, life and death, philosophy and more. Park the small people in the cozy children’s section. Lots, lots more. 

Words by Jess Willemse & Photography by Delena Nathuran

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

G01/100 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Nearby Places

Black Door Gallery

Various artworks on display including a glass bird in the foreground at Black Door Gallery, Auckland.
Place Auckland
Galleries and museum key icon.

Parnell is well known and loved for its thriving creative scene.

Simon & Lee

Meals on the table at Simon and Lee, Auckland.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

When you’re looking for big Korean flavours and solid staples in Auckland, look no further than Simon & Lee.

Faradays

Clothes hanging on a rack framed by draped cream curtains
Place Auckland
Fashion key icon.

Winning hearts as well as awards is Faradays, a luxury retail store nestled in Auckland’s charming Parnell district.

Völla Café

Exterior sign for Völla, Auckland.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon.

Tucked away in York Street Courtyard, Völla Café is a sweet little garden oasis dishing out artisanal treats and killer coffee.

Similar Places

Flotsam and Jetsam

Red griffins sign.
Place Auckland

Another one of Ponsonby’s illustrious retailers is Flotsam and Jetsam, a vintage store with both new and old items for the home.

Good Form and Mr Bigglesworthy

A white tall vase with a dried flower bouquet on display in the store.
Place Auckland

For those seeking tasteful interior inspo, we guarantee you’ll find it at Good Form and ​​Mr Bigglesworthy.

Checks Downtown

Interior image of Checks clothing store with a table of hates and shoes.
Place Auckland
Goods key icon.

There’s no other way to say this; Checks Downtown is just damn cool. New to the local streetwear label of the moment? We’ll catch you up.

Everyday Needs

Homewares on shelves.
Place Auckland Editor's Pick

As the shop’s name suggests, the focus here is on items for the home that are practical and useful – the kind of things you couldn’t imagine living without.