I'd really rather you didn't know about this Dove Shop. So please, go ahead and read this review,…read moreand then erase all memory of its contents. I think it's for the best. The St Helier's Dove Shop only has stock that's in totally pristine condition. Seriously, you won't find a posher op shop in Auckland. It's really nice and not at all stinky. You can pick up the most amazing stuff here, from men's and women's clothing, to furniture, homewares, kids' clothing, and games. It's not a matter of luck finding something you like, or something in good condition, the only gamble is getting stuff in the right size, so I end up buying something almost every time I visit. Also, the staff are really nice and onviously volunteering for a really great cause - the Eastern Bays Hospice. The prices reflect the quality of the stock here, but they're still extremely reasonable, and hey, it's put to excellent use.

As far as opportunity shops go, I have to say this one in St Heliers is pretty disappointing. Yes,…read morethe stock is probably expensive because of the St Heliers location which is definitely quite an affluent area, however I don't really think the quality of the stock matches the prices you pay. It is very neat and organised all of the time, however I'm not ever really a huge fan of the shop attendants who work here, none are overly pleasant and are definitely not the reason why I keep coming back here. Actually, I'm not quite sure why I keep coming back here - perhaps I have convinced myself that maybe one day I will actually find something I like that is not priced exorbitantly above what it should be. I guess I'll just keep looking then...

The staff were so lovely and I loved every item I tried on - great selection, I must have bought 7…read moregarments! Im a young professional adult, but they also had a great range for mature adults too. Thanks!

Takapuna's Hospice Shop is at the end of the Parkway Arcade, right across from Beads and Baubles…read more It is spacious, clean and had some lovely, friendly ladies ready to help and serve. They had an array of clothing, including some designer labels (it is Takapuna after all), but nothing that grabbed my eye enough to pull the purse out. Some second hand furniture was on sale too, but not much, I was in search of a timber buffet which they had for $275, a bit pricey I thought and luckily left it as I ended up finding one on Trade Me in much better condition for an out right buy of $200. If you are after some china they had tables full! Lots of lovely little nanna-ish delicate goodies, plus it is a charity, so all profits serve to help.

Take 2 is a recycled women's clothes boutique nestled down the end of Westpac Plaza. They carry a…read morelot of labelled clothing or interesting items/fabrics. It's sandwiched between beauty and nail parlors so is a good pop-into shop if you're waiting for your appointment. You usually only need a quick browse as it can be pretty hit and miss. When you hit, you hit. I once picked up a nice floral skirt that I still wear today for only $30. I'm starting to think that it was a once off though as I haven't had much luck since. Perhaps the regulars snap all the good items up as soon as they come out! It can be slightly pricey too, but I guess as the clothing selection in Orewa is so dismal they price how they like

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!

Citta is every home lover's dream. In fact, I don't own a home and it's still one of my favourite…read morehome decor shops. French provincial furnishings, bedding and lovely knick-knacks, Citta inspires grand designs and grand ideas for redecorating! Whether you are looking for a nice throw for your couch or bed, plush towels, elegant chests and coffee tables or a fabulous centrepiece, Citta will have you well and truly covered. Everything in the store has a really fresh, innovative feel about it. You can just imagine how beautiful the items would be in your own home, however it's also a great place to buy gifts for others. Mothers and in-laws in particular would love anything Citta has to offer. The outlet store makes Citta products very affordable, while maintaining a really high standard of quality. Highly recommended!

If I could live at Citta Design best believe I would! I love the sale prices they have there…read moreespecially the bags. The bags range from picnic bags to those funky basket bags. I have bought at least three bags from there and they have all being under $30. Other than the bags the bath robes there are those thick white fluffy ones that you get in those lovely spas! I wear mine all the time, when I am lounging around at home. My mum and I always go to Citta outlet to get a few things for the bathroom. The selection is always tasteful and classy with modern designs. We bought my fave wine glasses here and tea towels for the kitchen amongst other things.

Vixen: A retro-monster that swallows you whole and then spits you out some time later, slightly…read morelighter on the cash and a little wiser in the wonderful ways of all that is vintage clothing. This shop has everything - men's, women's, and a kick-arse haul of vintage boots. It's the best place to start any serious hunt for a specific vintage piece, whether it's a dress, a sweatshirt, or something from the amazing range of accessories - gloves, handbags, scarves, and sunnies. Unlike some other large retro clothing shops, the stock at Vixen changes all the time - a testament to it's large fan base that keeps coming in and collecting goodies!

If you're wondering how cool Vixen is - let me tell you a story. A few years ago now, a young…read moreAmerican walked into the store to have a look around, but the store assistant told him Vixen was closing and he would have to come back another time. After sending the man packing and scratching his head, the store assistant would later click that she had sent alt-country superstar Ryan Adams on his way; she was to see him in concert that night. If you're looking for a secondhand store that is packed enough with Americana to entice Ryan Adams, and too cool for him to even get a look-in, Vixen's your place.

I generally love Superette's bags, shoes and jewellery and there are quite a few pieces of clothing…read moreI would want to add to my wardrobe that come from quirky designers. However, I can not get over the snobby attitude of the unhelpful staff in this store and can't bring myself to make a purchase. Would much rather nip across to the Posonsby store where I found the staff to be helpful and smiling or to other stores such as Made or Black Box just to avoid dealing with stand-offish characters.

A mildly interesting store which stocks an impressive range of local and international designers. I…read morefeel like I wouldn't get along with people who shop here. I've bought a few Deadly Ponies handbags from this place but mostly because I can't be bothered to find out who else stocks them. In general I find the pieces here to be a mixed bag.. either cool designs from up and coming labels or overpriced basics. Which is a shame because I remember a few years ago thinking that Superette used to stock the coolest stuff, or maybe it was just labels releasing cooler clothes. Now whenever I think of Superette I just think of it as the place where EGGS girls come to buy their party dresses. This place stocks 'unique' stuff for the masses of bunheaded girls who want to spice up their Glassons outfits.