The Best Independent Bookshops in New Zealand
Bibliophiles, gather round. This Saturday 10 October is Aotearoa New Zealand Bookshop Day, when independent bookshops across the motu celebrate with author signings, kids’ activities, bookshop crawls and more. While you’re there, pick up this year’s limited-edition tote bag featuring artwork by Coco Solid.
Each of these fiercely independent bookstores brings a strong sense of personality, shaped by the culture and history of the towns they call home. From Auckland to Alexandra, from mystical fantasy to heartfelt memoirs, here’s where to get your literature fix across Aotearoa, on Bookshop Day and every other day of the year.
Timaru Booksellers
There is something quite special about stumbling across small, independent booksellers. Timaru Booksellers, in the heart of Timaru, is definitely one of those petite treasure troves for literature lovers.
Black & Co
Black & Co is located in the south end of Timaru’s CBD and focuses on quality fashion pieces for men and women, luxurious homewares and unique jewellery, the store is a must-visit.
The Little Red Fox
The Little Red Fox is a contemporary fashion store located in the Mackenzie country town of Fairlie. Housed in a high ceilinged, stone-clad building in the centre of town, natural tones and raw wood beams set the scene for a pleasurable browsing experience.
77 Art + Living
Fairlie might not be the first town that comes to mind when thinking of wonderful independent galleries across the motu, but 77 Art + Living is here to change that.
Humdinger Gin Distillery
There’s a sense of discovery when walking down the alleyway off the main street in Geraldine to a former garage workshop, which has been refurbished to house the...
York St Gallery of Fine Art
Creatives of Canterbury rejoice—York Street Gallery of Fine Art in Timaru is here to satisfy your art cravings.
Susan Badcock Gallery & The Mailroom
Explore this unconventional gallery space where contemporary artworks by Susan Badcock and the wider creative Badcock family are showcased alongside other New Zealand artists.
Matilda & The Metalman
Matilda & The Metalman sits neatly in a large corner shop space on Fairlie’s main street.
Petronella's Gallery and Bookstore
Lake Tekapo’s only independent bookstore, Petronella’s Gallery and Bookstore, offers a sanctuary for both book and art lovers.
Geraldine Cheese Company
Geraldine Cheese Co. handcrafts small-batch cheese varieties in its petite factory in the heart of Geraldine town centre.
