On a day exploring Devonport, my first stop in the historic town was BookMark. If you're a fan of…read moreused books, militaria, collectibles, and local history, this is a must-visit little shop. It was cozy with chair and carpet, plus shelves area organized and clean. The shop has tons of old NZ military memorabilia, which was also fun to see. The cashier was welcoming as well. As I didn't want to carry a bunch of books all day, I left without anything but memories. The world needs more bookstores like this one. If you find yourself in the area, be sure to stop in and have a browse. They also have a bunch of sale carts outside on the sidewalk, a fun way to get you inside.

Ooh- eee! Do I love myself a good secondhand bookshop. It's like a normal bookshop but everything's…read morelike 100 times cheaper and it comes free with that musty kinda smell. This shop claims to have the best selection of used books in Auckland, and I know every seller of something claims to be the best but on this occasion I don't just think their blowing smoke out their asses, this really IS the best selection ever located in the best store ever! They have over 20,000 different titles to choose from, from general fiction to the specialty of this store, military tomes. The owner even goes as far afield as Melbourne on stock missions so you can be guaranteed to find some really priceless items. Overall one of the best things about this store I think is the range of super comfortable looking places to sit down ;so you are actually able to read instore if you want to, a concept foreign to most bookstores these days. Being a hardened book lover myself, I have whiled away many productive hours in this store. Even better on late Night Thursdays they have a 10% discount and a free glass of wine while you are perusing the shelves!

Every time I'm down in Browns Bay something always pulls me to Paper Power. Is it something to do…read morewith my stationary obsession, primal need to find a bargain and my ability to use retail therapy to fix all problems? Yup, you've caught me red handed. This shop fills all my wants and needs as it's packed with awesome stuff at the best prices. Whether I'm late for party and need to pick up sellotape asap, or am just in the mood to browse around all their crazy store, it's great. It'd be a really great place to do the yearly shopping for the kids' stationary as they have everything other stationary stores have, but it's just a lot cheaper. Otherwise, if you're just a stationary nerd like me, it's a great way to fill in an afternoon hehe.

Well stocked book store on Hurstmere Road with the added visual bonus of colour coordinated…read moredisplays. There's a good range of gift cards and it's stocked with a fairly decent range of cookbooks. Good for Sunday browsing when the parking's free.

Man, Milford is really upping it's game! First an artisan cheese store and now our very own…read morebookstore. At this rate i'm going to struggle to leave... The Booklover opened in Milford a couple of weeks ago from it's previous location in Takapuna and is a welcome replacement for that GHASTLY all hours gaming/computer den. It's independent, which I love and they stock a beautiful range of books. I could spend hours perusing their Home & Garden section and those cookbooks....seriously dangerous. Today I popped in to buy a specific book and whilst they didn't have it on the shelves the owner happily ordered it for me and is going to call when it's in. He also added me to their loyalty program. I'm not quite sure what the benefits of this are but I do plan on visiting regularly so i'll keep you posted!

The Booklover is a wonderful independent book store. Tom, the owner, is knowledgeable and very…read morehelpful. When I went in looking for a copy of Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes the Booklover did not have a copy, but Tom spent 10 minutes ringing around other independent bookstores to find me a copy. The selection is great, particularly for lesser known titles with small print runs. If you're after the latest best-seller there are obviously many stores that cater to this, but the Booklover has much more depth. Tom and the team also arrange book club evenings and other interesting literary events. They also have an online store so you can get online and have your books delivered by the next day.

If you have overseas visitors taking them to an authentic New Zealand souvenir shop is a given. But…read moreI have to say there are some New Zealand souvenir shops around that really do no justice to the beauty and originality of the Kiwi culture. Nikau is a shop that seems to really understand and connect with that culture. Everything inside is authentic and stunning! There's a huge variety of things from expensive but awesome pounamu (greenstone) necklaces to quirky little aprons, candles, house decor accessories and cheaper trinkets and jewelry. If you're wanting to buy souvenirs for family and friends you are sure to find something that suits every one of them inside here!

I find NIkau superb. Lovely people, gift wrap beautifully, and an amazing array of superb…read moreproducts. Nic.

Before I developed my love for independant bookstores, Whitcoulls was my go-to for Christmas…read morepresents. A book (or board game, if I was feeling generous) for each family member and I was done. Despite being a chain, they've got a relatively good selection and the staff that i've interacted with seem to like and read a number of them, which is always a plus. Whitcoulls of course, also have stationery, magazines and a small selection of puzzles too. If you desperate for a gift, they're a one stop shop that's often open late but personally, now that we've got our own independent bookstore in Milford, The Booklover, I'd much rather support them and get a recommendation that's sure to wow!

I recently placed a last minute order with Auckland Flowers for Easter delivery. I am overseas and…read morewas a little apprehensive. Not only were they extremely professional and responsive, but the flower arrangement they produced was absolutely stunning. Lisa was a delight to work with and I cannot recommend the company more highly for quality of product and professional service.

From the owner: Flower delivery Auckland and New Zealand wide. Gift Baskets, fruit baskets, Christmas gift…read morebaskets, helium balloons, soft toys, baby gift baskets. Order online, via phone or fax or visit us in store. Unique "design your own gift basket" service. Pick and choose what your recipient likes the best and we will send it to them. Online since 1999 and in business since 1980.