Auckland's Best Op Shops: What You Should Look For

whereintheworldsar
Aug 3
5 min read

Updated: Sep 3

Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland City, has a number of Op Shops and a variety of goods on offer

Op Shops, Charity Shops or Thrift Stores, whatever you call them, they are fun and exciting places to visit for the variety of goods on offer and the cheaper prices available.

Embarking on a road trip in New Zealand is not just a journey; it's an adventure that stirs the curiosity in anyone who loves to explore. With breathtaking landscapes and a rich culture, New Zealand becomes even more enjoyable when you are mindful of your budget. A few times I have set off on motorhome, caravan and camping trips throughout New Zealand and uncovering budget camping essentials at some of the finest op shops in the country was a must. For fellow travellers, campers, or backpackers eager to “pack light and buy cheap,” and for locals who enjoy a fun day shopping without breaking the bank, this general guide is for you!

Why Op Shops?

When I planned my road trips, I quickly realised that gathering camping essentials could put a real dent in my wallet. This is where op shops come into play. They are treasure troves filled with second-hand items that are not only affordable but often unique. Supporting a charitable cause with your purchases adds another layer of fulfillment. Plus, once you have used them you can clean them up and give them to another op shop for resale, anywhere throughout the country. Everybody wins.

I have discovered several areas in Auckland and around the country that are hotspots for op shopping and most towns and cities have a number of op shops available for your exploration. In this post, I will share a few of my top picks, along with exciting finds, ensuring you find quality souvenirs, equipment and essentials without overspending.

Who am I looking for when Op Shopping in NZ? What are they called?

In general: Hospice Stores, Salvation Army, St Johns, Red Cross, Habitat For Humanity, SPCA, Vinnies, Savemart and many churches offer op shops, throughout the country. Many areas also have community based op shops.

Most are open at least 6 days of the week, 9am-3pm or 4pm, some are now open 7 days and until 5pm. Some smaller ones may only open on a few days of the week.

Generally, the parking is excellent and there is an onsite parking lot. Bigger vehicles may need to park roadside.

3 Top Areas for Op Shopping in Auckland

1. Auckland Central

Karangahape Road offers some good budget-friendly shopping and is a good place to start if you are centrally based and ready to head out on the road. Parking may be a bit more difficult in the city centre for larger vehicles and I would suggest going to the outer areas. The suburbs close to the city centre also offer a range of op shops, eg: a drive along Remuera Road will take you past at least five different op shops.

2. Onehunga

South of Auckland City and close to the airport and motorhome pick-up depots, Onehunga is a growing hub for op shopping and bargain shopping, with at least nine op shops on offer you are spoilt for choice and there is plenty of variety.

An aside from the op shops; a big plus for Onehunga is that you can also find new retail bargains at the Dress Smart Outlet Shopping Centre, on Arthur St. Don't be fooled by the name, this outlet mall gives you a wide choice of items, not just clothing. Note: Should you also be in Christchurch, there is a Dress Smart Outlet Centre in Hornby.

The Base Outlet Mall in Hamilton is also another good outlet shopping option for buying new items, and is a handy stopover when starting out on your road trip. One of New Zealand's largest shopping centres, it is just off the main highway south and based in Te Rapa, only a 75 minutes drive from Auckland International Airport. You will also find around nineteen op shops close to The Base Outlet Mall.

High angle view of camping chairs and portable stove — A collection of camping chairs and a portable stove in an op shop, or a tent, sleeping bag and some blankets... then again, maybe you just want something to read or a jigsaw puzzle! Op shops give a great variety to choose from ...

3. North Shore ... Birkenhead, Glenfield, Browns Bay and further north to Whangaparāoa and Orewa, on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast

Just over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, you will find three op shops in Birkenhead, ten in the Glenfield and Wairau Park area, with Savemart, at Northcote, in between. A nice round trip between these shops could be covered in a morning or afternoon or spread out over the day, with plenty of variety on offer for your travels from clothes, books, bags and furniture to camping and cooking equipment.

Browns Bay is a 35 minute drive from Auckland central and is a quaint beach town with five op shops and a beautiful east coast beach. There is also a second hand market on Sundays, 6am-12pm.

The Hibiscus Coast: Silverdale, Whangaparāoa and Orewa, a 40-45 minute drive from Auckland central, hosts a staggering twenty six op shops! You are bound to find everything that you need for your trip here and if you have time, you can add a walk along any one of the ten or more beaches, including the Shakespear Park Nature Reserve, (see my post on free things to do in Auckland: 5 Free Things to Do in Auckland, NZ (Perfect for Budget-Friendly Adventures) Park your motorhome and freedom camp for a maximum of two nights at the Gulf Harbour Reserve and you can really explore the area and have an amazing few days on your New Zealand tour.

Durable plates for $2 each and reusable utensils for just $1, pots and pans for $3-5, camping chairs for $5, books for $2 or sleeping bags for under $10 ..maybe a surfboard for $25 or a bike for $80. They are not only practical, fun and eco-friendly solutions, but they align perfectly with my appeal for no-wastage and recycled goods.

Packing Light and Thriving

As I journeyed between these op shop hotspots, it became clear that the success of my adventure hinged on my “pack light and buy cheap” mantra. Road-tripping in New Zealand, especially in a motorhome, offers unprecedented freedom. However, packing too much can become cumbersome both physically and financially.

Shopping at op shops helped me find essential camping gear without adding excess clutter. The excitement of hunting for unique items contributed to the spontaneity of my trip. Each piece I picked up serves a purpose and brings back fond memories.

Reflections on the Op Shop Journey

My road trip through Auckland's op shops was more than a simple journey; it was an exploration of budget-friendly treasures nestled in some of the city’s cheapest and most unique shops. Across the city, and throughout New Zealand, I discovered not only quality camping and travel essentials but also unique souvenirs that will forever remind me of this adventure.

So whether you’re a seasoned traveller or preparing for your first trip, keep the importance of exploring op shops in mind. They offer a way to save money while acquiring quirky, functional items. Be sure to take your time, engage with locals, and most importantly, enjoy the hunt. The thrill of finding that perfect travel item could very well lead to an unforgettable memory.

If you’re on a budget and love to stumble upon hidden gems, don’t miss the op shop scene in Auckland. You might just find your next favourite camping item, jigsaw puzzle, hiking boots or beloved souvenir waiting around the corner!

Happy travels and happy op shopping!