Central Otago secondhand books
Central Otago’s secondhand book scene centres on one shop: Wanderlust Books on Centennial Avenue in Alexandra, trading since 2008, with schist walls, a downstairs fiction room and a strong line in old, rare and collectable titles.
The Salvation Army’s Family Stores in Alexandra and Cromwell sell donated books for a few dollars. Cromwell and Clyde have no secondhand bookshop of their own — Paper Plus in both Alexandra and Cromwell sells new books.
Everything here was checked on 1 November 2026; Wanderlust’s hours come from guides rather than the shop, so call ahead.
1 dedicated bookshop · 2 op shops with books · updated 2026-11-01
Jump to: Alexandra · Cromwell · Crawl guide · FAQ
Alexandra — secondhand books & op shops
Dedicated bookshops
Op shops & charity stores with books
Cromwell — secondhand books & op shops
Op shops & charity stores with books
Central Otago bookshop crawl guide
Plan Alexandra for a Tuesday to Saturday so Wanderlust is open; park once and walk between Centennial Avenue and the Salvation Army on Tarbert Street. Cromwell is 30 minutes up State Highway 8, and Wānaka’s Book Room and Wastebusters are another 45 minutes beyond.
Cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail? Alexandra and Clyde are the trail’s western end.
FAQ
Is there a secondhand bookshop in Alexandra?
Yes — Wanderlust Books at 55 Centennial Avenue, usually Tuesday–Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–3pm. Phone 03 448 7100 to check.
Are there secondhand books in Cromwell?
There is no secondhand bookshop, but the Salvation Army Family Store at 28 The Mall sells donated books Monday to Saturday.
Not listed (closed, unverified or no books)
- Otago Community Hospice shop Alexandra (13 Ennis St) — open, but books not confirmed by the operator.
- Paper Plus Alexandra and Cromwell — new books only.
Nearby regions
Queenstown, Wānaka & Arrowtown · Dunedin & Port Chalmers · All South Island regions