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    Real Groovy

    4.2 (14 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Real Groovy Photos

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    Shelly-Ann S.

    I can't imagine Auckland without Real Groovy. As a teenager I would literally spend hours in here flicking through the LPs and checking out the boys. I still own some very random Flying Nun recordings and will NEVER part with my record collection. Much of it was purchased here and although the shop has changed a lot over the years and diversified, in lots of ways it hasn't changed at all. Of course the shine of its heydey has been a little dulled but that's just because the times have changed (she said sounding like an old timer). There's still nowhere else like it and long may it fly the flag for vinyl, turntables and the trading of secondhand music. The clothes, books and the rest are all a bonus.

    Hannah B.

    One of the places I always stop at when walking around the CBD, Real Groovy feels like a trip back in time. Sometimes I walk around the huge amount of LP's in the back whilst wearing my Doc Martens and pretend I'm Liv Tyler in Empire Records. The store has the perfect mixture of all the things that interest me in life: music, books and clothing. However, it is the book section that always takes my fancy and can keep me enchanted for hours, as the store harbours a selection of fiction and non-fiction, the likes of which I have seen in no other store in Auckland. Books about tattoos and punks nestled together with Penguin Classics and Palahnuik makes for an eclectic but interesting combination. The clothing section is always worth a look too, with guys and girls clothing from the likes of Stussy and Wrangler as well as a range of vintage finds from the amazing downtown store Peachy Keen. It's such a shame to think that inevitably the store is going to go the way of so many other independent record stores that just can't compete with the likes Amazon and thepiratebay as it offers a truly unique experience on the otherwise characterless backdrop of Queen Street.

    Liam W.

    Against today's backdrop of digital downloads and homogenising tastes, it's gratifying to know that Real Groovy still exists. It was teetering on the brink there for a while, but it's since diversified enough to broaden its appeal without losing it's authentic record store charm. So while coffee, DVDs, quirky gifts and cool clothing now sit alongside the vast stock of CDs and records, it's still the same shop I fell in love with as a teenager. Walking through the doors and seeing the bright flashing 'Real Groovy Records' sign still makes me feel all kinds of happiness, and once in it's very easy to spend a few hours browsing for stuff you won't find anywhere else. The book section is stuffed full of great stuff from rock histories all the way through to classic fiction and philosophy books, and the vinyl collection is extensive. The last bastion of the independent, there is no place like Real Groovy. In a world where everything is the bloody same, isn't that something to treasure?

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    11 years ago

    My absolute must visit place when in Auckland, many hours spent browsing the racks and shelves.

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    Review Highlights - Real Groovy

    As a teenager I would literally spend hours in here flicking through the LPs and checking out the boys.

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    Marbecks Classical - Marbecks

    Marbecks Classical

    4.8(6 reviews)
    1.5 kmViaduct, Auckland CBD
    $$

    In this day and age of chain stores selling nothing much but top of the pops CDs and band t-shirts…read morewith singers on them who appear still to be foetal, Marbecks is welcome respite. Any music lover will adore Marbecks. You get that feeling of being in an actual place when you visit, rather than in just another cloned merchandising experience. You also get a real Alice down the rabbit hole feeling because of the wonderful range, and it's one place that actually makes me feel excited about buying music. The staff here are excellent and great at fielding all kinds of questions, and very accommodating to importing things especially for you and that kind of stuff. They also have a dangerously tempting range of books and a decent stock of vinyl, so there's a lot to keep you busy once you get there.

    Although getting music in these times is a heap easier and often cheaper, I do miss the days of…read morespending hours in a CD store waiting for mum while she does the shopping. The ritual of waiting for an album release and going to buy it the day it comes out with everyone else, made it even more exciting. And I think buying a CD is a real testament to your love for a musician. Marbecks is literally the only CD store I can think of that's still in business, and it is a doozy. Hidden away in Queen St Arcade, i'm sure a lot of people still have no idea it's even there, despite it being around since 1934. But once you do discover it I challenge you to suppress the smile from your face. It is full to the brim with music of all different styles and in many different forms. Top 40 CDs, to classic and rare vinyls. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, it's clear they're massive music lovers and big fans of this dying medium. A great way to spend the day and probably the best place to do it. Give Marbecks the helping hand it needs and go have some fun there.

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    Marbecks Classical - Marbecks

    Marbecks

    Marbecks Classical - Marbecks

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    Marbecks

    Rhythm Records

    Rhythm Records

    4.0(3 reviews)
    1.9 kmPonsonby, Freemans Bay

    In this day an age of music downloads and streaming services it's rare to visit a physical record…read moreshop and it had been a while for me. There is something very satisfying about flicking through racks of real music productions. I ended up spending a long time in this reasonably small store, it's easy to fall into a kind of trance while pondering and exploring new artists. It works out more epensive than downloading but I left with a couple of new albums as recommended by the staff. I am happy with the purchases, and have even ripped them to my computer!

    As we all know, the days of wasting away hours in a CD store are behind us. I remember I used to…read morehang out at the CD stores while mum did whatever shopping she needed to do. Then came computers and downloading and it all faded out. Until I went to Rhythm Records I can't even remember the last time I went to a music store. I heard a lot about Rhythm Records form a little feature they do on 95bfm and it made me think I should go visit. There is nothing like buying a new CD, or better yet, a new record. This place has both. Though not large, the range is really big and you can find something for everyone here. The staff are probably my favourite thing about the place. They are true music lovers and aren't lame about it. They love to share their knowledge and were super interested in what I was into. I love going here because it humbles me. Just when I think I know music I am confronted with pretty much a whole store of musicians I have never heard of. Love it.

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    Rhythm Records
    Rhythm Records

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    Musiquarium - Musiquarium

    Musiquarium

    4.0(3 reviews)
    2.7 kmBalmoral, Mt Eden

    Having read Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, and then watching the movie of Nick Hornby's High…read moreFidelity, there's something that will always appeal to me about small, independently-owned music shops. Also I am a nerd and a bit obsessed with music, so music shops in general are just neat, in my opinion. Musiquarium satisfies all my requirements. It's small, has little natural light, and is painted a lurid shade of green. Also it has an excellent range of CDs, both popular and obscure. Their stock covers a range of music, but seems to be particularly extensive when it comes to 90s alternative rock and 50s/60s rock & roll (disclaimer: it is possible that it just seemed that way because I like those two styles). They also focus on New Zealand music in a way that other places would like to look like they do, but actually don't.

    The music acts are always first rate. No cover is great. Drink prices are higher than normal, but…read moreyou've got great music and a place to dance if you wish. My problem with this place is that after multiple visits, I've come to the conclusion that the wait staff behind the bar give very poor service. I've experienced several different sets of staff and they all offer poor service. No personality. No water unless requested. Long wait times for even an acknowledgement that you are even sitting at the bar. Management needs to improve their interviewing when hiring. Yes, I'll go back there often because of the music, but I'm certainly not going to tip for poor service.

    Hard to Find Secondhand Bookshop

    Hard to Find Secondhand Bookshop

    4.5(8 reviews)
    0.5 kmEden Terrace
    $

    This is Auckland's best (and probably biggest) second hand bookstore. It's musty in a good "old…read morebooks" kind of way, and sprawling and welcoming at the same time. Set over two floors of one of Onehunga's old buildings, it's like a house full of books. Most rooms have a comfy old chair or two for reading, and visitors are encouraged to sit and do just that. The subject range is huge and varied, and the prices are of course, excellent. The staff are knowledgeable and will point you in the right direction if you are after something in particular. Which is helpful because if you haven't been here before you could get lost and never come back out. Sadly Onehunga has been on the decline in the last few years despite there being a number of really great businesses here. I would recommend coming for lunch at Luscious, followed by a fossick at the Hard to Find and then checking out Look Sharp Discount Store. This historic Auckland suburb has suffered from mismanagement for too long now but as while these unique places cling on, it's still worth a visit - there is so much character and potential.

    What do you buy for the person who has everything? Something fun, interesting or ridiculous;…read moresomething they've never seen before. Hard To Find Bookstore is the place to go for the person who has everything - spend enough time in amongst the weird little nooks and crannies and you're bound to find something for that awkward person who requires a gift. Ohe of my most lovely memories of Hard To Find Bookstore was a Christmas morning, when the small family of academics I was sharing breakfast with handed out presents. All three of them had bought each other gifts from Hard To Find, and all were so appreciative of their gifts. Some of the books still had their HTF price tags pencilled inside but nobody cared - gift-giving isn't always about how much it costs, but how much it means. And to these bookworms, the gifts were priceless.

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    Hard to Find Secondhand Bookshop
    Hard to Find Secondhand Bookshop
    Hard to Find Secondhand Bookshop

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    JB Hi-Fi

    JB Hi-Fi

    3.0(6 reviews)
    0.8 kmAuckland CBD
    $$

    I first discovered JB Hi-Fi on a trip to Australia a few years ago now and since then they have…read moreexpanded to NZ. They have an extensive range of anything to do with music, gaming, computers, cameras (basically entertainment technology specialists). Whenever I'm in JB Hi-Fi they seem to have some really good specials. I purchased some Sennheiser headphones there which have served me well. They have all the headphones out on display so you can listen to music on them before you buy. I keep seeing a lovely pair in there, which are brown, gold and amazing, but my budget didn't quite stretch to them at the time (sadly). JB Hi-Fi Queen St also do meet and greats occasionally when artists are in town - see photo of Ellie Goulding (whose album Halcyon is worth a listen)!

    This JB Hi-fi has just undergone a refit/renovation to improve the aesthetics of the store. It has…read moreimproved remarkably. You can now see & find everything clearly without obstacle. They have a HUGE selection of gaming for Xbox one/360 & PlayStation which is fabulous! They encourage 'trade & save' or to buy pre-owned games: pure genius. I find the security guard highly entertaining & friendly, been here for years so a good go-to if you can't find a salesperson. The staff a bit nonchalant & disinterested (which is a shame), always been the case here. Great opening hours, you can sell your games, DVDs etc if you want some extra cash however (be warned) they pay peanuts. However, they do gift cards to any dollar value. Brill.

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    JB Hi-Fi - Ellie Goulding in store signing at JB Hi-Fi Queen St

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    Ellie Goulding in store signing at JB Hi-Fi Queen St

    Real Groovy - vinyl_records - Updated May 2026

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