This op shop would have to be in my list of top 3! I found out today that they were previously in…read morePonsonby, then K Road, now in Avondale, but looking for new premises again. I hope they don't move too far away where ever they go! The woman behind the counter has always been really friendly, chatty and helpful when I have been in. They have a long rack of children's clothes for those with youngsters, a decent range of men's wear (generally x-large though), lots of women's clothes, books in an organised fashion, some great crockery (I have bought some matching vases) and glassware. The best bit really is that it is the most affordable I have seen in Auckland. Not only do they have a $1 rack out the front with decent enough clothes, but they also have on offer 50C containers of clothes (children's and adults). It offers prices that most of us would expect to pay for second hand. This isn't me being stingy, this is me being practical - these charity second hand shops support the needy and they sell to those of us who struggle to fill a wardrobe with brand new clothes. Keep up the good work guys!

I usually shop at the Savemart in Northcote, but decided to give this location a go. I googled it…read moreupon arrival to see what others have said about the place and to see if it would actually be worth my time. This location was amazing!! I found items from Boohoo with the tags still attached. The items are in very good condition. Of course like many of the locations in NZ there aren't many people asking if you need help finding something or help with anything, but you can always ask a cashier at the front. There were only two checkouts, but if you shop there as soon as the doors open as I do, you shouldn't have any issues or experience long lines. The prices were fantastic in my opinion. The only thing I didn't see much of were belts, hats, purses or shoes, but this is the beginning of the year so I am sure there are loads of new stock. Don't take my word for it. Go see for yourself :-)

This shop made me feel like it wasn't even a recycled clothing shop. It was massive and had…read moreeverything. The moment you walk in you see a butt load of clothes. I found some stuff from Nike and Adidas. The environment was great and had a nice range of stuff. Would recommend!

With a handy roadside sign directing you down a potholed driveway, St Vincent de Paul is an almost…read morepopular New Lynn op shop. Looking like it's sitting in a disused church hall perfectly fits it's thrifty recyclability. Now, other than the revitalized train station, not much in New Lynn is new. Most shops and houses have an old and tired feel to them. So a thrift store in this suburb is going to be the bleakest, bluest building you can find. There are halting discussions about Coronation St and endless shuffling from rack to shelf; There are curtains in the menswear section. There is also a depressing attempt at a window display in St Vincent de Paul's, which is, again, at the end of a potholed driveway. This op shop is a somber affair, looking to retire shortly into a nursing home.

I think this is a lovely op shop! I have been in several times and the staff have been…read moreexceptionally friendly, but never over bearing, each of them have seemed genuine and kind. The stock is the usual op shop affair, nothing extraordinary to note. The range of clothes are reasonably priced and the books even more so - I picked up a bunch recently for $1 each. A bit musty, but overall, neat, tidy ad nice!

We went here today in search of a desk, and sadly, didn't find one. Well, we did, but it kind of…read morehad a SOLD sticker hanging off it, and when we enquired as to whether it was actually sold (since the sticker looked old and was hanging on by a corner), no one seemed to know, or wanted to find out. We had a look around anyway, and this place is a hipster's paradise. Most of it is genuinely old, and slightly overpriced. I got two sewing patterns for $2 apiece (and they weren't even that great), and other op shops are selling them for around 50 cents each. We also grabbed a couple of spanners for $2 each, and I got some zips and piping for another $2. There is a large section of stuff that isn't secondhand and is brand new, and is extremely expensive. I saw a set of double bed sheets with foxes on them for $214. I know foxes are "in" right now, but seriously. Obviously very much taking advantage of the whole "vintage vibe" that people are loving right now, and good on them I guess, but I was looking for genuinely old, unfashionable secondhand stuff, and of that there just wasn't that much, sadly.

The coolest second hand and collectibles store in Auckland for sure. The mass size of this…read morewarehouse is amazing and full of everything from a Tonka truck for the kid to vintage surfboards that make the man cave look awesome. My first visit to J & D I spent over an hour and a half just wandering back and forth peering at peoples past belongings. I have purchased a beautiful vintage glass cake platter the kind that nana used to have, and a glass perfume spray bottle that opens up and allows you to fill it up with any scent you wish. Prices are not too pricey, so won't break the bank. If you love exploring antique stores give this a try you might find a painting that inspires you, or a vintage lounge suite to redecorate with? Staff are helpful however, usually only one person working the store. Be prepared for cool and cool is what you will get.

As far as Hospice Shops so I like to frequent them, I like to donate clothes to them and I like…read morewhere the profits go, to Hospice. More than one family member of my extended family has used the service of Hospice and we appreciate the amazing work this organization does. So as far as Blockhouse Bay Hospice Shop goes, this is a lovely one. Very room inside where the racks aren't too cluttered. I liked the bargain boxes outside and had a good rifle through them on this hot afternoon. Prices are right, cheap, and there is loads of stuff here, clothes, nick nacks, household effects, shoes, pet gear, you name it and the best thing is that there is always a different bargain to find because that's just the ever changing nature of op shops. Thanks to the hard working, really friendly volunteers who man these shops too!

What a beauty little hospice with two areas of home decor stuff, crafty things, a small kids…read moresection, men's women's and kids clothes, frames and pictures and more. Located on the main drag in Blockhouse Bay township it's easy to get to. Parking is out front if you're lucky or nearby. Did I mention the ladies in there are dolls who seem to enjoy volunteering there and are very happy to converse about the weather and life in general. What a wonderful addition to Blockhouse Bay and long it may live. Feel free to donate anytime. :)

Second hand Rosie is a staple for any true op shopper out West. The clothes in there are always…read moreunique and you can get the best finds, as it's really cheap. Whether you're on the hunt for something particular, or you just want to go for a nose, Rosie's always has a great collection - from Doc Martens and anoraks to 90s dresses and handbags, and sometimes they have jewellery and the like in there as well. Always good for costume parties too. I probably visit Rosies once a month and usually end up buying something, if not for me then for someone else.

This particular Salvation Army is my choice for furniture and home decor second hand. A few weeks…read moreago I saw a gorgeous lounge suite that had cushions that could fold up (great for owners of a furry cat that leaves his fur everywhere he goes). It was also long enough to sleep a guest, still in great condition and had plush dark red fabric. But silly me hesitated and left it for more than 24 hours to think about and of course such a good deal was snapped up by the next day. I have been back in since hoping of another super great find but alas not just yet. I have bought cushions and large pieces of fabric though. Out the back there is several shelves and containers that stock curtains, cushions, bed linen and off cuts of fabric. They also have a room dedicated to books for all the book worms out there. Clothing is on permanent specials it seems, and it is popular, crowds of folk have been in the place when I have visited.

I don't think 'megastore' is a technical term, but nevertheless this is the Salvation Army…read moreequivalent of that. The focus is less on clothes that at some of the other, smaller places, but that's fine considering the wealth of furniture on offer. As someone who lives in a flat the idea of buying new furniture is laughable, and although Trade Me is pretty good there's a lot to be said for seeing an item up close and in person before you buy it. Additionally - or perhaps even primarily, if your values are anything like mine - they have a good selection of books. Salvation Army bookshelves are never expensive but they're often a mixed bag, sometimes leaning a bit heavily towards the Danielle Steel / Marian Keyes end of the spectrum. A place like this is good though because of its scale - there's enough of a range that if you're willing to trawl you'll probably find something.

Second Generation, a fitting name for a second hand clothing store. I have been in to this place a…read morecouple of times but only ever bought one thing; the prices are really high considering they are used clothing - basic items up to $20.00. Not fancy retro jackets, not cool designer suits, not summery one-of-a-kind-dresses, just usual stuff we wear daily. For that I go elsewhere, op shops for me mean unique and special, and a bargain! This place also carries the second-hand smell unfortunately. I have still given this place three stars as it appears to be an independent business and has probably suffered poor trade with so much road works right out front for so many months, so some compassion is needed. They have a great location in the heart of New Lynn on Great North Road.

I have been into the Salvation Army Red Shield Shop in Avondale several times, to donate and to…read moreshop. The staff have consistently been helpful and friendly. The prices are really good - I am almost tempted to keep such a gem a secret, but profits are going to charity, so I better not! There are sales occasionally but they don't really need too - the prices are so good already. They have a few racks of men's and children's clothing, but by far it is for women, and I have even spotted (and bought) traditional Indian attire. The turn over of clothing seems pretty consistent too. The place is a bit hot and stuffy, but several fans are generally placed around the place to make it bearable. They also sell a few household pieces of crockery and glassware, that stuff doesn't turn over so fast.

This has got to be my favourite place to shop. It's sinister. It's grubby. It's dangerous…read more (seriously you can snag your arm or leg on a dirty old metal thingy and get tetanus) but it's also enticing and exciting. The proprietor is a piece of work. I don't even know what I mean by that. Maybe I mean "a work of art" if that art is alternative, and an acquired taste. Don't go there. Leave all the treasures for me. Take cash!. Don't expect change! Don't expect small talk! Don't expect a friendly smile and warm handshake... but you just never know. PS You know how to haggle, right???

This is a small secondhand shop, packed (and I mean packed) with any kind of junk you can imagine…read more All kinds of electronic equipment, kitchen stuff, megaphones, ladders, blankets, old lightbulbs...the list goes on. Be prepared to pick your way over chairs and sodden blankets, and duck under hanging items to fully explore the shop. The guy working there is a little odd, but quite friendly. I bought a vintage sewing machine there after he let me test it out with an extension lead. As the sign says, there is no eftpos, so be aware.