Muirs Bookshop

On Gladstone Road in Gisborne, you’ll likely encounter the iconic statue of a short elderly man straining under the weight of a hefty stack of books – a feeling many bookworms likely identify with. This figure marks your arrival at the entrance of New Zealand’s oldest independent bookshop: Muirs. 

Established in 1905, Muirs Bookshop has collected many tales over the years, and its survival is a testament to the timeless appeal of turning the pages of a physical book. Founded by Charles Muir and passed down through many of his descendants, the store first opened as part of a stationery shop attached to The Gisborne Herald. In the late 80s, it moved into a larger nearby space, adding a cafe with it. At the beginning of 2024, Muirs transitioned to a smaller shop in the heart of town. While you can no longer grab a coffee or scone with your book purchase, the focus on sourcing a wide variety of books is stronger than ever.

Simple black shelves display a colourful array of book spines, with the latest titles and most talked-about tales showcased in the heart of the store. The selection is impeccable, with something for everyone, including every genre of fiction, fascinating non-fiction reads, and wonderfully fun adventures to introduce children of all ages to the joyful world of books. Literary-inspired jigsaw puzzles also make special gift ideas or rainy day activities when you need a break from words. It’s a relaxed and spacious setting, perfect for quietly browsing or chatting with the friendly team for recommendations or to share your thoughts on the latest bestseller.

Muirs has hosted various authors over the years and organises literary gatherings whenever the opportunity arises – something you just can’t experience online. They’ve recently joined the BookHub directory, which guides locals to the websites of independent bookshops throughout the country and ensures they don’t disappear from our communities. It’s initiatives like these that we hope will help sustain Muirs for another century (and beyond).