Urban List Entertainment

Searching for a space to host your next event? Or simply need to wind down to some groovy tunes towards the end of a long work week? Well boy do we have news for you...

The *most chic* cinema experience has set up shop in Ponsonby Central: Silky Otter along with its incredible SO Lounge. Not just any flicks and snacks situation, you’ll start with a concierge greeting (skipping any pesky lines) and be led straight to your own spot at the sleek SO Lounge restaurant and bar area to while, if you so please, pre-film.

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Setting down roots in Mt Eden in 1955, Chapter Book & Tea Shop is a bookshop unlike any other. With walls upon walls of books and literally hundreds of tea flavours, you're sure to find something you'll love at this comfy bookshop-cum-cafe. Cosy vibes and a snug setting make this the perfect place to settle in for some peace and quiet and venture off into a wonderland of zen at Chapter Book & Tea Shop—one of the best cafes in Mt Eden.

If you like both a) cooking and b) books, Cook the Books is the store for you! The Grey Lynn bookstore specialises in books about—you guessed it—cooking! Allow plenty of time to browse the treasure trove of books and  take a seat in one of the store’s many comfortable chairs as you flick through the stunning recipes. Can’t find what you’re looking for? The friendly folk are only too happy to order it in for you. They also offer free gift wrapping and gift vouchers, making it the perfect spot to pick up a gift for your foodie friend.

Calling all book lovers! If you haven’t already, make sure you pop on in to Novel Bookshop in Herne Bay. You can easily pass away the hours away as your browse the store’s selection of both fiction and non-fiction books. Novel Bookshop is known for it’s mighty fine collection of coffee-table books—there’s something for every home! 

The Women’s Bookshop has been promoting women’s writing since 1989. They originally set up shop in Mt Eden but relocated to Ponsonby in 1999 and have continued to sell plenty of great reads in a range of subjects. Whether you’re after history, fiction, poetry or cuisine, you’ll find a book to reel you in at The Women’s Bookshop. 

If you’re after a lil something-something to gift to your mother, brother or lover, look no further than Ponsonby Road gift shop Iko Iko. We could quite happily spend hours browsing through the store’s delightful nick nacks, homewares and stationery. Here you’ll find everything from New Zealand-shaped cookie cutters and tiki salad servers, to inflatable flamingos and Justin Bieber posters. We guarantee you’ll leave the store with not only a gift for your loved one, but also a little treat (or two) for yourself.

Sitting pretty on High Street is Unity Books. The bookstore is a delightful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. Allow yourself an hour (but more likely more), to browse the treasure trove of books. Whatever books you’re into, we guarantee you’ll leave the store with a brown paper bag filled of goodies to feast your eyes on. 

Situated in Matakana (where the weekend markets take place) is The Village Bookshop, a boutique, independent bookstore with a wide selection of books, wrapping paper, cards and other bits and bobs. From New Zealand literature to eclectic and international reads, The Village Bookshop is the perfect place to pop into after hitting up the markets or grabbing a bite to at the Matakana Market Kitchen. Owner, Tracy and her staff will be more than happy to make a recommendation. 

Situated at the top of Jervois Road is a children’s paradise—the Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop. With a huge collection of quality books as well as a range of educational toys, puzzles, games, music and audio books, it is a great place to take the sprogs and inspire them into the world of reading. One of the best bookshops in Auckland, the Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop is a must-visit if you have kids or need to buy a gift for one. 

Opening in 1984, Hard To Find bookstore was first located in an Onehunga basement. Making it—yup, you guessed it—hard to find! The second hand bookstore was located on Onehunga Mall, making it MUCH easier to find and now it has moved to St Benedicts Street! Give yourself at least an hour (but probably more like half a day) to browse the treasure trove. Every single nook and cranny is stacked high with books and you're guaranteed to find some gems.