Looking for hidden treasures and fantastic deals? Auckland is home to some of the best op shops in New Zealand. With a whopping number of thrift stores scattered across the city, Auckland offers a diverse range of second-hand things that cost next to nothing.
Thrift shopping has gained immense popularity in Auckland, with data revealing a significant surge in its appeal. Statistics indicate a steady increase in op shop visits over the past few years, reflecting the growing preference for sustainable fashion and the thrill of finding one-of-a-kind items.
So, in this write-up, we’ve curated a list of the 13 best Auckland op shops that cater to every taste and budget. Continue reading to learn about Auckland’s expanding thrift culture, as well as the finest places to purchase high-quality reusable items.
Op Shop Culture in Auckland
Embracing the ethos of “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” these op shops have become integral parts of Auckland’s social fabric.
What we’ve seen is that they are more like gathering places for neighbours, volunteers, and friendships to blossom. Be it pensioners volunteering their time, artists looking for inspiration, or young families on a budget, these second-hand shops welcome everyone and build a sense of community among customers.
Auckland’s Top 13 Op Shops
Here are the thirteen op shops we’ve determined to be the best ones for quality second-hand items in Auckland:
- Auckland City Mission K-Road Op Shop – rated 4.4 out of 5
- Red Cross Shop Karangahape Road – rated 4.1 out of 5
- SPCA Op Shop Three Kings – rated 4.0 out of 5
- St Columba Op Shop – rated 3.8 out of 5
- To Wahi Thrift Store – rated 3.9 out of 5
- St John Manukau Store – rated 4.2 out of 5
- Eastgate Christian Centre Op Shop – rated 4.0 out of 5
- The Salvation Army – rated 4.3 out of 5
- Habitat for Humanity Restore Otara – rated 4.7 out of 5
- Vinnies Second-Hand Shop – rated 4.4 out of 5
- Northcote Baptist Op Shop – rated 3.8 out of 5
- Boutique for SPCA – rated 3.9 out of 5
- Auckland City Mission Glen Innes Op Shop – rated 4.0 out of 5
1. Auckland City Mission K-Road Op Shop
| Best Known For | Linen, Curtains, Clothing, Bric-a-brac, Tools, Indoor and Outdoor Furniture, Books |
| Website | https://www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz/support-us/shop-secondhand/ |
| Telephone | +6493031773 |
| krd.s@aucklandcitymission.org.nz | |
| Address | 203 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
Both the merchandise and the store are immaculately presented. Despite being an OP shop, it has a real retail feel to it. The more upscale racks have spotless, steam-clean clothes. It’s an OP store where you can occasionally find brand-new shoes and clothes at extremely competitive pricing. There is such a vast array of products. Everything from apparel, purses, and shoes to jewellery and fashion accessories, toiletries and makeup, cleaning supplies, and storage organisers. Products include lighting, small electronics, household goods, bric-a-brac, crystal and silverware, children’s books, best-selling novels, DVDs, CDs, LP vinyl, sleeping bags, luggage, and more that are pre-owned yet in good condition. Given the scenario, the prices are fair.
Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Reviews
“An ideal spot for a stroll. You will find what you are looking for, as there is a good assortment of secondhand clothing. I purchased a little necklace for a lucky Whnau member.”
“Good selection of well-maintained large-brand items. Reasonably priced, as one could anticipate.”
2. Red Cross Shop Karangahape Road
| Best Known For | Clothing, Footwear, Accessories, Curtains, Books, Toys, Kitchenware, Homeware, Electronic Appliances |
| Website | https://www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/contact-us/map-of-new-zealand-red-cross-locations/ |
| Telephone | +6493778072 |
| shop.karangahape@redcross.org.nz | |
| Address | 191 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Reviews
“A humble shop selling pre-loved clothing and other small home products. This is an excellent location for a modest hunt.”
“Like everyone else, I came here to do some op shopping and was able to get what I was searching for at a reasonable price. One thing that made me laugh was that they were closing up shop while I was browsing and trying on a few of outfits, but they didn’t rush me in or tell me they were closing up soon, they simply waited patiently and chatted amongst themselves. I think it was nice of the employees to be so peaceful and relaxed, so thank you:)”
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3. SPCA Op Shop Three Kings
| Best Known For | Homeware, Clothing Items, Kitchenware, Linen, Toys, Furniture, Animal Supplies |
| Website | https://www.spca.nz/opshops/three-kings-op-shop |
| Telephone | +6496259791 |
| threekings.opshop@spca.nz | |
| Address | 528/540 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland 1042, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Sunday
- 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Reviews
“Despite the complaints claiming that the staff is harsh and the rates are excessive, I always go here on weekends and find it to be quite welcome and warm, especially the manager Val. Prices are a little exorbitant, nevertheless, all revenues benefit SPCA animals because the workers (excluding management) are unpaid volunteers. After all of my own experiences as a customer here, the reports that the service is unfriendly are fairly outdated, and Saturday mornings definitely have the nicest people!”
4. St Columba Op Shop
| Best Known For | Clothing, Household Items |
| Website | https://www.stcolumba.org.nz/ |
| Telephone | +6492744864 |
| office@stcolumbba.org.nz | |
| Address | 480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany Downs, Auckland 2013, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“There are friendly volunteers there who are eager to assist with any questions, and there are many hidden treasures if you look carefully:-) Good prices, especially with their current sales.”
“What a joy to discover such a lovely op shop in Auckland filled with beautiful items.”
5. To Wahi Thrift Store
| Best Known For | Furniture, Clothing, Footwear, Accessories, Curtains, Books, Toys |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/towahinz/ |
| Telephone | +6499654445 |
| shop@towahi.nz | |
| Address | 37 Oranga Avenue, Onehunga, Auckland 1061, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“The best op shop I’ve visited in Auckland, New Zealand in the last decade. I practically walked away with more than I could carry. The service team is also fantastic, and they were very useful in locating the second-hand items I required.”
“Wow! I arrived for a brief peek and ended up enjoying lunch and coffee with the lovely staff here. A great location full of friendliness and positive feelings, as well as amazing thrift store finds!:) It was an honour to meet and spend time with Dina, and I now have a new wardrobe. Thank you so much for a fantastic afternoon.”
6. St John Manukau Store
| Best Known For | Secondhand Clothes, Furniture, Toys, Books |
| Website | https://www.stjohn.org.nz/shop/retail-stores/manukau/ |
| Telephone | +64273130717 |
| rimma.muir@stjohn.org.nz | |
| Address | 1/49 Cavendish Drive, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“The thrift store is spotless and well-organized. Spacious as well, especially for those using prams or wheelchairs. A lovely children’s area with appropriate trinkets for sale. Seating was provided in high-demand places, such as in front of the books and beside the shoes.”
“I dropped off a lot of my belongings, including bags of clothes, boxes of toys, bedding, and baby items, as recommended by a family member. While I was there, I purchased a medium size drawer for only $50. I thought it was a good deal because I went to the Second-Hand store on East Tamaki Rd in Papatoetoe seeking for it and the price was $345, which I thought was quite high for a used item.”
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7. Eastgate Christian Centre Op Shop
| Best Known For | Kitchenware, Homeware, Books, Curtains, Clothes, Accessories, Footwear, and Toys |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/EastgateOpShop/ |
| Telephone | +64800677467 |
| jacquesv@eastgatecc.org | |
| Address | 9 Ben Lomond Crescent, Pakuranga Heights, Auckland 2010, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I frequently visit Auckland’s Eastgate Christian Centre Op Shop and have always discovered something unique there. I adore it to the fullest. A welcoming staff and a tonne of goods.”
“I went in to search for furniture for my new house, and the lady who works in the furniture section was amazing. Excellent client service and care for us. There was no fuss, just a dining and lounge set. Excellent quality as well!”
8. The Salvation Army
| Best Known For | Budgeting Advice, Food and Clothing Assistance, Life Skills Programmes, Used Furniture, Household Living, Clothing, Books |
| Website | https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/ |
| Telephone | 1. +6496308561 2. +6493797615 3. +6492622332 4. +6496391176 5. +6494787567 6. +6498273128 7. +6498374471 8. +6492765793 9. +6495783921 10. +6498202201 |
| public.relations@salvationarmy.org.nz | |
| Address | 1. 200 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand 2. 18 Allright Place, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand 3. 16 Bakerfield Place, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104, New Zealand 4. 691a Mount Albert Road, Royal Oak, Auckland 1023, New Zealand 5. Ground Floor/90 Rosedale Road, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand 6. 32 Delta Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland 0600, New Zealand 7. 7 View Road, Sunnyvale, Auckland 0612, New Zealand 8. 99 Church Street, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland 1062, New Zealand 9. 49 Mayfair Place, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, New Zealand 10. 1979 Great North Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Lovely, respectful people and a beautifully kept, neat store. A wide range of household products, kitchenware, and apparel are available. I got two shirts and a hoodie for less than $40, and they were all decent quality and freshly cleaned, so it was a steal! Thank you for your recommendation.”
“An excellent way to buy used, refurbished garments and household things at a low cost. You should go here if you want to get household items at a lower price.”
9. Habitat for Humanity Restore Otara
| Best Known For | Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Furniture Items, Crockery, Books |
| Website | https://habitat.org.nz/restore/otara/ |
| Telephone | +6492713358 |
| ormiston@habitat.org.nz | |
| Address | 8 Ormiston Road, East Tāmaki, Auckland 2016, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I’ve enjoyed secondhand shopping since garage sales became popular in Auckland. I take pride in how cheaply I purchase products and prefer exclusively op shopping for economic and environmental reasons. This thrift store was cost-effective and had a great selection. From the shop to the phone to delivery, the staff was kind and amusing. Overall, I recommend purchasing here. Go get yourself a good deal!”
“I had a great time browsing the Opportunity Shop because it has high-quality items and a kind workforce.”
10. Vinnies Second-Hand Shop
| Best Known For | Used Furniture, Household Living, Clothing, Books, Other Supplies |
| Website | https://www.svdp.org.nz/ |
| Telephone | 1. +6496342697 2. +6494435274 |
| national@svdp.org.nz | |
| Address | 1. 345 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland 1061, New Zealand 2. 8/75 Ellice Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland 0629, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“This Auckland thrift store is amazing. The staff is very accommodating and polite, and I like the $1 rack – it contains half of my wardrobe:-) Today I paid $5 for a pair of Topshop leather shoes and a handbag. My family received a food parcel from Vinnies while I was unwell with COVID-19. A God sent at difficult times. Thank you for everything you do for the local neighbourhood.”
“Fantastic op shop! Found some great pieces for my wardrobe and prices are very reasonable. The staff are lovely too!”
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11. Northcote Baptist Op Shop
| Best Known For | Books, Baskets, Furniture and Furnishings, Clothing, Curtains |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/northcoteshops/ |
| Telephone | +64210440295 |
| office@nbc.org.nz | |
| Address | 38 Pearn Place, Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I was looking for some inexpensive bracelets, and the two volunteer employees couldn’t have been more accommodating. They gave numerous suggestions and discovered just what I was looking for. Such nice people – I definitely left with a smile on my face.”
“Some donated products are of substandard quality. There are only a few sizes available. However, there is a huge selection of homeware in this Auckland Op Shop. Plus, they’ve got a very polite client service.”
12. Boutique for SPCA
| Best Known For | Women, Men and Kids Clothing, Jewellery, Homeware, Kitchenware, Linen, Toys, Furniture, Pet Supplies |
| Website | https://www.spca.nz/opshops/ponsonby-boutique-for-spca |
| Telephone | +6498692936 |
| ponsonby.boutique@spca.nz | |
| Address | 27 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1011, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Reviews
“Wonderful little shop. Holly, the manager, is a valuable asset to the company. She was friendly and helpful without being aggressive, making my kid and me feel at ease. Thank you, Holly; I hope to see you again soon.”
13. Auckland City Mission Glen Innes Op Shop
| Best Known For | Clothing, Books, Kitchen Stuff, Bric-a-brac, Toys, Decorations |
| Website | https://www.gleninnesvillage.co.nz/directory/item/418-auckland-city-mission-op-shop |
| Telephone | +6495280260 |
| admin@giba.org.nz | |
| Address | 14 Mayfair Place, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Sunday
- 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Reviews
“I enjoy shopping at Auckland City Mission’s Glen Innes location. They have good, fairly priced merchandise, the store is clean and well-organized, and the staff is extremely polite and helpful. During the lockdown, they were very careful to follow the restrictions of physical distance and registering their presence. This is something I bought for my granddaughter.”
“A hidden gem with everything you’ll need – from apparel to books, kitchen items, bric-a-brac, toys, and decorations… no two days are the same when you visit this shop. Definitely a fantastic location to be in, especially since the earnings go to a very important cause. More strength to the Auckland City Mission… Continue to be a source of inspiration in the community!”
Tips for Successful Op Shopping
Here are some things that you should keep in mind while thrift shopping in Auckland:
- Plan Ahead – Research op shops in advance and map out a route to save time.
- Visit Early and Weekdays – Go early in the day or on weekdays for the best selection of items.
- Keep an Open Mind – Don’t dismiss items at first glance; some might have hidden potential.
- Check Quality – Inspect for damages or flaws before purchasing.
- Have an Idea – Know generally what you’re looking for to focus your search.
- Try Before Buying – Always try on clothes to ensure a good fit.
- Watch for Sales – Look out for sale days or discount offers.
- Follow Online – Follow op shops on social media for updates on new arrivals or special events.
- Patience Pays – Be patient; it may take multiple visits to find what you want.
- DIY Potential – Consider items with DIY potential for customization.
- Cash and Bags – Bring cash in small denominations and reusable bags.
- Connect with Staff – Engage with staff—they might share insights or tips.
- Donate Back – Most importantly, donate items you no longer need to complete the cycle.
FAQ on Auckland Thrift Stores
Auckland City Mission K-Road Op Shop, Red Cross Shop, SPCA Op Shop, St Columba Op Shop, To Wahi, St John Manukau Store, Eastgate Christian Centre Op Shop, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity Restore Otara, Vinnies Op Shop, Northcote Baptist Op Shop, Boutique for SPCA, and Auckland City Mission Glen Innes Op Shop are some of the best second-hand stores in Auckland near you.
Op Shops in Auckland typically offer a wide range of items such as clothing, shoes, accessories, books, homeware, toys, electronics, and sometimes furniture.
Generally, yes. All well-known Op Shops in New Zealand usually inspect donations and sell items in good or gently used condition. However, we still recommend inspecting items before purchase as conditions may vary.
Yes, you can donate items to thrift stores in Auckland. There are numerous thrift stores and Op Shops in Auckland that welcome donations. Some well-known organizations like the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Red Cross, and Hospice Shops operate in Auckland and accept donations.
No, op shops in Auckland serve all nearby customers. They provide reasonably priced solutions for people on a tight budget, those who care about the environment, and those searching for uncommon items.
Op Shops, or Opportunity Shops, are thrift stores primarily run by charitable organizations in Auckland to support specific causes through the sale of donated items. Their proceeds typically fund community programs or aid initiatives in the region. In contrast, regular thrift stores, while also selling secondhand goods, may operate for-profit or independently, focusing on sales without a specific charitable mission.
Of course! Volunteers are welcome at most Op Shops. Working as a volunteer in an op shop might involve a variety of responsibilities, including cashier duties, inventory organization, customer assistance, and donation sorting.
Conclusion
And there you’ve it – the 13 best op shops in Auckland near you.
From the vintage boutiques nestled in Ponsonby to the unique shops in Grey Lynn, each neighbourhood features a unique assortment of goods and ambiences. Op shops in more affluent neighbourhoods may carry high-end vintage or designer labels, while those in more hippie regions may have unique, handcrafted items.
Most importantly, by deciding to shop at these thrift stores, you’re actively contributing to waste reduction and helping regional issues in addition to expressing individuality via your purchases. By buying used goods, you help create a circular economy whereby discarded goods find new uses rather than ending up in landfills.
So gather your shopping bags and go around these thrift stores. Who knows? One of Auckland’s top secondhand shops can include your next best-ever clothing, piece of home décor, or sentimental item.
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