Got a soft spot for the stuff of yesteryear? With a retro revival upon us, trawling through antique stores for vintage treasures is fast becoming a favourite pastime.
Whether you’re a local or visiting on vacation, antiquing in New Zealand offers plenty of opportunities to up your vintage cred.
See what you can find in these antique stores on the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and follow our tips for smart antiquing to make the most of your shopping adventure.
North Island
With a wealth of antique stores scattered all over, you’re sure to get your vintage fix on New Zealand’s North Island.
Vintage Treasure – Online Only
A great spot for finding vintage homewares and quirky gifts, Vintage Treasure has everything you need to inject some retro vibes into your home. You’ll find some unique pieces among their vintage dinnerware and upcycled furniture. They even have an online store for those late-night splurges.
Antique Traders – 115 Luke St, Otahuhu, Auckland
A favourite of the locals for over 40 years, Antique Traders is all about high-quality antiques. Looking for something in particular? From art to furniture, collectibles and clothing, their passionate staff can help you find it.
Antique Alley – 240 Dominion Rd, Mount Eden, Auckland
You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store when you step inside this giant treasure trove of old-school goodies. Offering everything from chinaware to glass and crystal, furniture, clocks, mirrors and frames, we challenge you to leave Antique Alley empty-handed.
So Vintage – 1 Pipi St, Te Awanga, Hastings
Francophiles will be in their element in this stunning showroom. With genuine French and European antiques, furniture and homewares, So Vintage is definitely worth a look-in.
South Island
From funky mid-century modern furniture to precious preloved jewellery, New Zealand’s South Island is buzzing with retro and antique stores just waiting to be explored.
Vintage Wonderland – 179 Ferry Rd, Phillipstown, Christchurch
Providing an eclectic mix of items from decades past, it’s no surprise Vintage Wonderland is a go-to for foraging second-hand stuff. Choose from a huge selection of collectibles, antiques, homewares, and trinkets.
Mr Mod – 88 Wilsons Rd S, St Martins, Christchurch
Indulge your inner retro-lover with the huge selection of mid-century furniture at Mr Mod. Creating a Pinterest-worthy Scandi-style home has never been easier with these restored retro pieces.
Hampden Stores – 1 Liverpool St, Hampden
A true blast from the past, Hampden Stores stocks a range of antiques and collectibles, specialising in vintage tools. Take a trip down memory lane and check out their novelty and practical items.
Eclectic Antique Centre – 254 Hardy St, Nelson, Nelson South
What do you get when you combine over 50 years’ experience in the antiquing game? An antique centre with a delicious mix of Victorian, art deco, mid-century, and retro items, of course. Head to Eclectic Antique Centre for vintage clothes, furniture, gifts, and more.
Sue Todd Antiques and Collectibles – 122 Lower Stuart, Dunedin
While walking through endless rooms of old stuff is what some vintage-lovers’ dreams are made of, some people prefer a more refined antiquing experience. Sue Todd Antiques and Collectibles offers a highly edited selection of top-range fine china, antique silver, jewellery, furniture, and more.
Tips for Smart Antiquing in New Zealand
Up your chances of bagging a bargain and uncovering hidden gems with these antiquing tips.
Make a List
Are you hitting the antique stores for anything in particular? Perhaps you’d like to fill some blank walls with unique artwork, or maybe you need a new reading chair for the library. Whatever you’re hunting for, be sure to make a list to avoid getting swept up in the rush of retro bargains.
Be Prepared
When it comes to antiquing, packing the right stuff can mean the difference between having buyer’s remorse or not. A measuring tape is a must for ensuring your favourite new piece will fit, and a van or trailer comes in handy if you’re hunting for larger pieces. Heck, even if you’re not hunting for larger pieces, you’ll want to be able to take one home if you happen to fall in love with it. Snacks, water, and comfortable shoes don’t go astray, either.
Take a Friend
Sure, you could go solo, but taking at least one friend with you will enhance your antiquing trip. Not just for a second opinion, but to help you carry any heavy items to your vehicle.
Do a Lap
Don’t rush in and buy the first thing you fall in love with. Chances are there will be more like it hidden in the corners of the store. Do a lap and take everything in before committing to a purchase.
Got some old stuff of your own that you’d like to clear out of the garage? Make some money off your preloved things by selling online or holding a garage sale. If you can’t let go of those precious items, or want to store your antique collection, take a look at our self-storage options here. Our Box Shop can be of assistance as well, making sure your items are stored cleanly, and securely.
