The Best Places to Buy Books Online in New Zealand

Compare Amazon, Book Depository, Mighty Ape and many other booksellers shipping to New Zealand. Our guide covers shipping costs, return policies and specialist selections

Updated 6 October 2020

​Online book stores have exploded in New Zealand, with tens of thousands of titles stocked. Whether you’re looking for the hottest bestsellers, the newest releases (before they’re even released) or old classics from a secondhand store, our guide lists the ten best online booksellers. We also outline the shipping costs, return policies and standout features of each retailer. 

Disclaimer: The online booksellers listed below are included based on their selection, pricing and delivery reliability. MoneyHub has no affiliation or business relationship with any of these companies, and no one listed below has paid for inclusion.

Amazon

Everyone knows and loves Amazon, especially for their incredible book selection. You can buy physical books (new and used) as well as Kindle downloads (digital books) getting access to your favourite titles instantly.
 
Outstanding Features:

• The largest selection of books online
• Amazon always has sales and discounts on books
• Free shipping on orders over US$25 (about NZ$40)

Browse books on Amazon

Book Depository

Book Depository sells books internationally online. They have an inventory of over 20 million books at amazing prices. They work in more than 130 countries and sell books from all genres, including art, biographies, children, fiction, food & drink, nonfiction, poetry, sports, and much more.
 
Outstanding Features: 

• All orders qualify for free shipping no matter the dollar amount
• Orders usually arrive within 5 – 10 business days
• Their ‘Bargain Shop’ has a large selection of books on sale

Browse books on Book Depository

Mighty Ape

Mighty Ape has been in business for over 20 years, creating one of New Zealand’s hottest eCommerce sites. As a New Zealand owned company, Mighty Ape offers fast delivery (typically overnight in NZ) and serves more than 250,000 customers a year. Mighty Ape offers books from all genres for children and adults.
 
Outstanding Features: 

• Order by 3:00 PM for immediate delivery
• Stocks more than 6 million titles
• Always puts customers first

Browse books on Mighty Ape

Fishpond

Get your hands on the hottest books at Fishpond. With more than 25 million products on its site from worldwide suppliers, Fishpond offers an amazing selection of books from all genres. 
 
Outstanding Features:

• Fishpond has millions of book titles to choose from
• Offers almost 2,000 books with same-day shipping
• You can pre-order new releases and receive them the day they’re released

Browse books on Fishpond

Paper Plus

Paper Plus is passionate about spreading the love of literacy and learning. They have a large selection of fiction and nonfiction books for adults and children, including new bestsellers and tried-and-true favourites.
 
Outstanding Features: 

• Free Click-and-Collect if you’re near a Paper Plus store and want the convenience of buying online and picking up in-store
• Free shipping on orders over $50 (otherwise it’s a flat $5 fee)
• Free returns for up to 28 days after purchase

Browse books on Paper Plus

Kiwi Best Buy

If you’d rather not pay full price for books, check out the amazing selection of secondhand books at Kiwi Best Buy. Operating completely online Kiwi Best Buy offers an extensive collection of traditional books as well as new releases. 
 
Outstanding Features: 

• You’ll pay just a fraction of the price of a new book
• Average delivery time is 2 – 5 business days
• Kiwi Best Buy uses bank encryption to keep your information safe

Browse books on Kiwi Best Buy

Book Haven

Book lovers have been enjoying Book Haven’s selection of secondhand books since 2003.
 
Outstanding Features: 

• Get hard to find books at a fraction of their retail price in good condition
• Has a 30-day refund policy
• Shipping is a flat $7 for one book or $12 for two or more books

Browse books on Book Haven

Petronella Gallery & Bookstore

Petronella Gallery & Bookstore is an independent bookstore that provides quaint service, helping book lovers find the perfect book in their large selection. They welcome phone calls to talk about their selections and so their members can help you find the book that’s just right for you.
 
Outstanding Features: 

• Personalized service
• Carries a large selection of new literature and nonfiction
• Each book is individually chosen for its uniqueness and for its ability to meet the needs of their audience

Browse books on Petronella

Jason Books

Jason Books is an independent book shop selling secondhand books. They receive new books every day and carry a large selection of fiction, nonfiction, crime, classics, and independent topics.
 
Outstanding Features:

• Sells rare books including out-of-print books
• You can sell your used books to Jason Books
• They’ve been in business for more than 50 years

Browse books on Jason Books

The Children’s Bookshop

The name says it all – The Children’s Bookshop has the widest selection of children’s book in New Zealand. They sell a selective number of children’s books that are carefully selected for their quality and value, so you know every book you choose from there will be good.
 
Outstanding Features: 

• Delivery is within three business days
• Shipping cost range from $4.95 - $12
• A curated selection of books meant just for children

Browse books on the Children's Bookshop

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