Wellington’s independent bookstores

Chandeliers and plush green sofas set the tone at Aurelia Books on Willis Street. Owner Brodie Joyce wanted to create not only a bookshop but a calm space where people can sit down with their book of choice, make a tea or coffee, and not feel like they’re being rushed out the door. The name Aurelia is derived from the Latin word ‘aureus’, meaning ‘golden’. Brodie hopes book clubs and writing or craft groups will have a golden time using the space. The boutique stock selection includes classics, sci-fi, and fantasy, among others.

Arty Bees Books is a family-run, independent bookstore. It’s been operating in Wellington for more than 30 years. It’s one of the city’s largest retailers of pre-loved, new, and rare books.

Arty Bees’ shelves are the perfect example of organised chaos. They hold over 90,000 titles, ranging from the classics to the curious and bizarre. The store has a specialist interest in science fiction and fantasy, New Zealand fiction and non-fiction. It also has many rare and antiquarian books, sourced at auction or estate sales.

Fiercely independent, Unity Books is an icon of the capital’s book scene. It specialises in New Zealand and international literature, poetry, history, and nonfiction. It’s also host to some of the most lively book launches and author signings in town.

Well placed in the middle of the city, it’s an easy spot to visit on a stroll around town. Visitors are welcome to browse and find new gems, and there’s always a friendly member of the team nearby to answer questions.

Take a dip into The Undercurrent, a central city independent bookstore. On the corner of Vivian and Tory Streets, it’s an underground haven for literature, art, and music. The multi-roomed basement makes for a cosy repository for the 12,000 books on offer. The stock covers all the usual genres with specialist areas in New Zealand poetry, art, literary fiction, and classics. Owner Philip Muollo has also amassed a collection of old and rare books with illustrated and ornamental covers. The Undercurrent also provides a stage (literally) for performances. The space regularly hosts jazz, folk, and blues gigs. You’ll also find a busy schedule of open mic nights, poetry readings, authors in conversation, and book launches.

The home of rare and unusual books, poetry nights, and rubbing shoulders with Wellington’s literary scene. Pegasus Books is a small, independent bookseller tucked off Cuba Street. It stocks quality books ranging from antiquarian to nearly new.

The well-read staff have a wide knowledge of books and the literary world. They’re happy to help you find something from the dozens of floor-to-ceiling shelves. As the name suggests, Pegasus specialises in subjects like poetry, philosophy, and Greek and Roman classics. But, the series of rooms and seemingly endless shelves hold dozens of genres and titles to discover.

There’s nothing quite like ferreting around in a bookstore searching for that one literary treasure. The Ferret Bookshop has been offering the Wellington public this service since 1979. One of the oldest bookstores in the region, The Ferret has had many locations. All have been around the bohemian Cuba Street. Its current spot is one block south of the pedestrianised mall. Retro clothing stores, bars, and cafés surround it. The thousands of books inside range across every genre. The back of the shop reveals huge tables where books lie out flat inviting you to peruse.

Among the kaleidoscope of secondhand shops and eateries in Newtown is an independent bookshop. Book Hound has a small but well-curated collection of 13,000 new and used books spread across two rooms. Along with the usual range of fiction and non-fiction titles Book Hound has several areas of expertise.  Store manager Jack Larsen says there are particularly good sections devoted to sci-fi, fantasy, and New Zealand books. The front light is left on at night, so you’ll often find people stopping on the street to look at the illuminated display of books in the front window.

Love is in the air on Willis Street. Push open the doors of romance retailer XO Book Co to reveal navy blue bookshelves, flower arrangements, and heart-shaped decor.

For true admirers, the chance to browse romance books is usually only found online. Owner Juliet Gengenbach has stocked the shop with thousands of historical, fantasy, and contemporary romance novels. Juliet loves playing matchmaker between a romance newbie and the right book. The store opened in 2026 and hosts events, including a monthly book club. Settle in by the faux fire and get lost in the love story.

Schrödinger’s Books is an independent bookstore in Petone. Since opening in 2019, it has gained a reputation for its wide range of books and excellent service. Its speciality is Japanese Manga comics, a niche but popular subject.

Schrödinger’s has a large children’s section with books for young people of all ages. They also sell a wide selection of books about Aotearoa, with many in te reo Māori. If you don’t know where to start, the staff are always happy to help you find your next best read.

It’s an oasis for book lovers of all ages. Marsden Books has been passionately flying the flag for the written word for over 40 years. Sitting in Marsden Village, it has a rich history of serving Karori and its surrounding suburbs. Along with a great selection of fiction and non-fiction, the shop is known for its extensive supply of children’s books. 

As a NZ Post agent, Marsden Books can serve as your one-stop shop for present buying. Once you’ve picked the book and card, the friendly staff can gift wrap it for free. From there you can post it anywhere around the world.