Looking for the best op shops in Tauranga near you? This article has got you covered.
To curate this list, we went on a hunt, considering what makes a thrift shopping experience truly special. We looked at how these second-hand shops are loved by the locals, the cool and diverse stuff they offer, their commitment to being eco-friendly and helping the community, and of course, the fun and joy they bring to shoppers like you and me.
So get ready to venture into these 13 thrift stores, where you’ll not only get great prices, but you’ll also be part of a community-driven, sustainable shopping spree, all while discovering those one-of-a-kind items that make buying pre-loved items in Tauranga such a treat.
Tauranga’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 Tauranga:
- St Vincent de Paul Tauranga Op Shop – rated 4.4 out of 5
- The Salvation Army Family Store – rated 4.3 out of 5
- SPCA Op Shop Tauranga South – rated 4.0 out of 5
- Bridge Community Store – rated 4.7 out of 5
- Hato Hone St John Retail Store – rated 4.1 out of 5
- Oasis Op Shop – rated 3.9 out of 5
- Waipuna Hospice Charity Shop – rated 4.2 out of 5
- SaveMart – rated 3.6 out of 5
- Red Cross Shop Greerton – rated 3.6 out of 5
- St James Op Shop – rated 3.7 out of 5
- Tallulah Quality Recycled Clothing Boutique – rated 4.0 out of 5
- Second Chances Op Shop – rated 4.3 out of 5
- Secondhand Avenue – rated 3.9 out of 5
1. St Vincent de Paul Tauranga Op Shop
| Best Known For | Used Furniture, Household Items, Crockery, Clothing, Books, Footwear |
| Website | http://www.bopvinnies.co.nz/ |
| Telephone | +6475788218 |
| helpfrombopvinnies@gmail.com | |
| Address | 766 Cameron Road, Tauranga South, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“St Vincent De Paul is the best place to buy all of your shopping products in Tauranga, with wonderful customer service and the finest place to find great discounts. It is highly recommended to anyone seeking great furnishings and clothing.”
“It’s my mother and my favourite thrift store. They have great prices and always have great goods. The products are also good quality.”
2. The Salvation Army Family Store
| Best Known For | Budgeting Advice, Food and Clothing Assistance, Life Skills Programmes, Used Furniture, Household Living, Clothing, Books |
| Website | https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/help-us/family-stores |
| Telephone | +6475784264 |
| public.relations@salvationarmy.org.nz | |
| Address | 375 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3110, 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
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“What an outstanding opportunity shop. I found some lovely dresses (even though I am not a big fan of dresses) and a nice purse. The ladies are charming. Thank you very much.”
“I enjoy working here as a volunteer because the staff is like a family and everyone is positive. You can find a lot of good items in the op shop at cheap prices.”
Related articles:
- Op Shops in Mount Maunganui
- Op Shops in Papamoa
- Op Shops in Wellington
- Second-Hand Shops in Whakatane
- Thrift Stores in Whangarei
3. SPCA Op Shop Tauranga South
| Best Known For | Women, Men and Kids Clothing, Jewellery, Homeware, Kitchenware, Linen, Toys, Furniture, Pet Supplies |
| Website | https://www.spca.nz/opshops/tauranga-south-op-shop |
| taurangasouth.opshop@spca.nz | |
| Address | 23 Fifteenth Avenue, Tauranga South, Tauranga 3112, 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
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Reviews
“The only SPCA Op Shop I’ve visited in Tauranga that can genuinely claim to be an Op Shop, with reasonable secondhand shop prices and fresh items arriving on a regular basis. I believe you should demonstrate how to do it to the other thrift stores.”
“They’re open 7 days a week. Plus, they have got a good product selection.”
4. Bridge Community Store
| Best Known For | Household Goods, Books, Baskets, Furniture and Furnishings, Clothing |
| Website | https://www.bridgeoutreach.org.nz/ |
| Telephone | +6475710775 |
| admin@bridgeoutreach.org.nz | |
| Address | 321 Fraser Street, Parkvale, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Excellent coffee provided by excellent people! It is always a pleasure to shop at the Bridge Community Store.”
“Great rates, a wide selection, and great service. One of my favourite charity stores in Tauranga.”
5. Hato Hone St John Retail Store
| Best Known For | Secondhand Clothes, Furniture, Toys, Books |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/stjohntaurangastore |
| Telephone | +64273224605 |
| TaurangaOpShop@stjohn.org.nz | |
| Address | Brookfield Shopping Centre, 75 Bellevue Road, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Beautifully presented thrift store in the Tauranga region. Much effort was put into making the clothing neat, the display of bric-a-brac was gorgeous, the linen was fresh and clean, and everything was cost-effective.”
“One of the most exquisitely curated op shops I’ve ever visited. It was a pleasure to explore, and I came away with some wonderful finds.”
6. Oasis Op Shop
| Best Known For | Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Homewares |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/OasisOpShop/ |
| Telephone | +6475762422 |
| oasisopshopmanager@gmail.com | |
| Address | 82 Bureta Road, Otūmoetai, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“This thrift store is fantastic! Unlike many op shops that try to replicate high-end establishments, these charming people are a true opportunity shop with everything from silk scarves to lawn clippers to the grommet you need for your soap rack! They have a $1 rack of clothing, which is great for agricultural attire. There is a great assortment of books and CDs for those of those who’ve gotten old enough to appreciate them. Please help them.”
“Great op shop full of original things and super friendly people helping there. Loved it!!!”
7. Waipuna Hospice Charity Shop
| Best Known For | Clothing and Accessories, Gifts, Household Items, Furniture, Books, Plants and Toys |
| Website | https://www.waipunahospice.org.nz/shops/ |
| Telephone | +6475785763 |
| GreertonS@waipuna-hospice.co.nz | |
| Address | 1267 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“One of the best charity stores in the Bay of Plenty. Large selection and plenty of good bargains.”
“The original shop relocated across the street in early 2017, and it is now considerably more spacious and well-organized. A beautiful treasure trove with friendly service! This year’s wonderful find has been the new Waipuna Hospice tea towels. This Tauranga op shop is on another level.”
8. SaveMart
| Best Known For | Smart and Casual Clothing, Designer Fashion, Street Fashion, Top Quality Shoes, Accessories, Books and Bric-a-brac, Kids Toys |
| Website | https://www.savemart.co.nz/ |
| Telephone | +6496221759 |
| savemartoffice@gmail.com | |
| Address | 2 Glenlyon Avenue, Greerton, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Reviews
“I’ve been there a few times, and the shop has a terrific assortment. To be honest, I think the prices are better than other op stores in the area, and I’ve usually found what I’m searching for, which is very useful for school dressing up days, camp shoes and outfits, and last-minute items like that. Also helpful for general shopping; I’m buying more used items for my son lately because he loses things all the time, and the prices are generally reasonable and indicative of second-hand apparel.”
“Good selection, but keep in mind that this is a business, not a charity shop. Charity receives very little funding. I’d pay their pricing if I knew a larger portion of the proceeds went to charity.”
9. Red Cross Shop Greerton
| Best Known For | Furniture, Clothing, Footwear, Accessories, Curtains, Books, Toys, Kitchenware, Homeware, Manchester, Eyewear. |
| Website | https://www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/contact-us/map-of-new-zealand-red-cross-locations/ |
| Telephone | +6475782683 |
| shop.greerton@redcross.org.nz | |
| Address | 199 Chadwick Road, Greerton, Tauranga 3112, 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
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Wonderful new Red Cross Thrift Shop in Chadwick Road, Greerton.”
“I worked there as a volunteer and it was a good experience.”
10. St James Op Shop
| Best Known For | Used Furniture, Household Appliances, Clothing, Books |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/p/James-Place-Op-Shop-Greerton-Tauranga-100071993050024/ |
| Telephone | +6475412182 |
| Address | 70 Pooles Road, Greerton, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Nice little thrift store. Very small with a limited selection of things, yet a hidden gem can often be found.”
“I volunteer there once a week; it’s a very welcoming environment.”
11. Tallulah Quality Recycled Clothing Boutique
| Best Known For | Preloved Clothing and Accessories |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/tallulahtwo |
| Telephone | +6475789768 |
| Address | 121 Waihi Road, Judea, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Great place to find lovely modern pre-owned clothing and accessories. The personnel are courteous and helpful, the shop is well-organized and easy to navigate, there are two large fitting rooms, and the ladies serving in the shop provide honest and helpful criticism. They had a lot of stylish, clean, and lovely outfits. I purchased several things at reasonable prices, including two ball dresses.”
“I enjoy shopping here. It’s like walking into a high-end boutique. Everything is spotless, the air is fresh, and the staff is friendly. It’s great to know that the revenues benefit the community.”
12. Second Chances Op Shop
| Best Known For | Clothing and Accessories, Gifts, Household Items, Furniture, Books |
| Address | 7 Oak Lane, Judea, Tauranga 3110, 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
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I love this op store since the prices are moderate and they always offer a decent mix of useful items and oddities.”
13. Secondhand Avenue
| Best Known For | Furniture, Second-Hand Home and Living, Treasures, Decor, Art & Literature |
| Website | https://secondhandavenue.co.nz/ |
| Telephone | +64800228824 |
| hello@secondhandavenue.co.nz | |
| Address | 152 Waihi Road, Judea, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Beautiful little shop with wonderful staff to assist you in finding what you need or are looking for. The most beautiful secondhand shop I’ve ever seen.”
“Fantastic, I got what I went to get. I also made another buy.”
Op Shop Finds for DIY Projects in Tauranga
For those with an artistic bent, op shops are veritable gold mines. These Tauranga second-hand stores have a plethora of possibilities for do-it-yourself and upcycling projects in addition to having affordable things.
Here are some creative ideas to transform your finds from the Op Shop into one-of-a-kind creations:
- Revamping Furniture – Old chairs and tables can be painted or covered with new fabric to give them a fresh look. They can look extremely good if you sand them down and paint them.
- Making Clothes Cooler – Old pants can be transformed into shorts or skirts, and large shirts can become stylish short tops. Plus, to give them a unique appearance, you can also apply patches or designs.
- Decorating Things – You can use old frames to hold notes, plants can be placed in cups, and old cloth can be utilized to construct beautiful lamp covers.
- Making Jewelry – You can repurpose cool buttons or broken jewellery to create new necklaces or earrings.
- Fun Things for Kids – Old games can be hung up as artwork and old fabric can be turned into a puppet curtain.
- Creating Art – You can create your art by painting on old canvases or using antique frames.
- Using Stuff in Other Useful Ways – You can make amazing storage out of discarded boxes or cooking utensils. Candles and plants can be kept in mugs.
FAQ on Tauranga Thrift Stores
St Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army Family Store, SPCA Op Shop, Bridge Community Store, Hato Hone St John Retail Store, Oasis Op Shop, Waipuna Hospice Charity Shop, SaveMart, Red Cross Shop Greerton, St James Op Shop, Tallulah Quality Recycled Clothing Boutique, Second Chances Op Shop, and Secondhand Avenue some of the the best second-hand shops in Tauranga near you.
In most cases, Op Shops in Tauranga, like many thrift stores, don’t encourage haggling or negotiating prices. The prices are usually set by the staff or volunteers based on the item’s condition, brand (if applicable), and the shop’s fundraising goals. However, occasionally, some stores might have sales or discounts on certain items, so it’s worth asking if there are any ongoing promotions.
You can easily find nearby Op Shops through online directories, charity organization websites, or apps that specialize in locating thrift stores or secondhand shops in your locality.
Well, some thrift stores in Tauranga had begun establishing online selling platforms or partnering with online marketplaces to extend their reach. However, the availability of online sales varied among local thrift stores.
In Tauranga, donations to registered charitable organizations, including Op Shops operated by charities, may be eligible for tax deductions. However, there might be specific criteria and limitations set by the New Zealand tax laws regarding the deductibility of donations.
Conclusion
So, whether one seeks vintage fashion, quirky collectibles, or practical household items, op shops in Tauranga offer something for everyone.
They’re hubs of thriftiness and eco-friendliness, showing how shopping second-hand can be exciting while supporting a greener lifestyle. As Tauranga’s op shops continue to thrive, they remind us that there’s joy in finding hidden treasures while making a positive impact on our planet.
