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 Street, 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 Street, Central, Dunedin

Nearby Places

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.

Gallery De Novo

Inside the gallery with art on the walls.
Place Dunedin
Galleries and museum key icon.

Fine art can be intimidating but here it’s light, exciting and even fun.

Quadrant Gallery

Jewellery in display cabinets.
Place Dunedin

Quadrant Gallery exhibits and sells contemporary and classic jewellery, ceramics and glass, and each item is chosen not merely for its aesthetic pleasure but also for the statement it expresses.

The Tart Tin

The owner behind the counter looking to camera.
Place Dunedin
Goods key icon.

The Tart Tin keeps limited hours and for good reason.

Similar Places

Moi on George

Inside the Moi on George store.
Place Dunedin

Children’s toys, furniture, ornaments, lamps, cushions, rugs, perfumes, home scents and candles; Moi’s wide range of stock all abides within their impeccable style.

Wander and Sons

A staff member working.
Place Dunedin

Retail therapy with a conscience.

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.

Guild

Inside the store.
Place Dunedin

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