Hard to Find Books

Monday9:30 am – 5:15 pm.

Tuesday9:30 am – 5:15 pm.

Wednesday9:30 am – 5:15 pm.

Thursday9:30 am – 5:15 pm.

Friday9:30 am – 5:15 pm.

Saturday9:30 am – 5:15 pm.

Sunday9:30 am – 5:15 pm.

20 Dowling St, Central, Dunedin

03 471 8518

Housed in a nondescript building, Hard to Find Books is easy to miss if it weren’t for the discrete sign out front. But make no mistake, while the bookshop may be hard to find, the books certainly are not. Climb the stairs (or take the antique chair-lift) and allow yourself to breathe in the familiar smell of well-loved books, in a space where books are the only things that matter.

Specialising in rare and hard-to-find books, the shelves are stocked from floor to ceiling with titles covering every possible subject matter, from 18th century trains to Julia Child's recipes. And just in case you can’t find the particular book you were after, hidden behind the shelves the stock room holds an extra 100,000 books. The staff are eager to help, and just as happy to let you peruse at your own leisure.

Spend the afternoon (or an entire day) getting lost in the bookshop, rediscovering old favourites, new favourites and everything in between.

Words by Tahlia Vogel & Photography by Naomi Haussmann

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

20 Dowling St, Central, Dunedin

Nearby Places

Jizo Japanese Restaurant

Sushi on plates.
Place Dunedin
Restaurants key icon.

The food covers all bases when it comes to Japanese cuisine at Jizo.

Good Good

Close up of artwork on the wall.
Place Dunedin
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A mean spot for burgers, beers and vibey energy.

The Swan

The exterior of the building.
Place Dunedin
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon.

An eatery and taproom with great vibes, local flavours, live gigs, fresh coffee, cosy nooks and a sunshine-laden outdoor seating area.

Vull Design

Interior of shop with hanging lights.
Place Dunedin

Vull Design boasts a carefully and tastefully curated selection of design products for your home.

Similar Places

Guild

Inside the store.
Place Dunedin

Guild provides a dedicated shop and gallery space for local designers and makers.

Plume

Bags on display.
Place Dunedin
Fashion key icon.

With a reputation for good fashion, Dunedin’s Plume is one of the city’s best offerings of high-end fashion that is both utterly stylish and effortlessly cool.

Pavement

Exterior of Pavement, Dunedin.
Place Dunedin
Fashion key icon.

Step off the street and into Pavement and, trust us, you won’t look back.

Belle Bird Boutique

Mannequins wearing colourful clothing from Belle Bird Boutique.
Place Dunedin
Fashion key icon.

One of Dunedin’s best for designer fashion.