Dove Bookshop — Bishopdale
A secondhand bookshop in Bishopdale, Christchurch. Part of the Greater Christchurch secondhand bookshops directory — see also our NZ used-book price guide.
About
Dove Bookshop is Christchurch’s biggest recycled bookshop — a 300-square-metre charity store tucked into Bishopdale Mall in the city’s north-west. Run by St Christopher’s Community Trust, it raises funds for community outreach while giving donated books a second life.
If you’re hunting used books in Bishopdale or want a serious afternoon browse without city-centre parking stress, Dove is the standout. Fiction is alphabetised; there are proper sections for classics, science fiction, thrillers, biographies, children’s and young adult, plus a strong New Zealand non-fiction bench. Merchandised tables of new arrivals make it easy to skim what’s just come in.
Prices sit at charity-shop levels rather than curated-dealer rates, which is why locals treat it as a destination rather than a quick stop. Sister shop Arty Facts next door sells jigsaws, CDs, DVDs and bric-a-brac if you’re making a mall morning of it. Donations are accepted at the rear storeroom on weekday mornings.
Price tip: Spinoff reported roughly $3–7 for many titles — charity pricing that regularly undercuts dedicated dealers.
What you’ll find
Wide-ranging donated stock: literary and genre fiction, NZ history and biography, academic texts, Christian titles, cookery, gardening, children’s, and surprise finds that change weekly.
Practical info
- Address
- 11C Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale Mall, Bishopdale, Christchurch 8053
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 10am–4:30pm; Sat 10am–4pm; Sun closed
- Phone
- 03 359 9869
- Website
- www.dovebookshop.co.nz
Run by St Christophers Community Trust. All stock donated.
Visitor notes & reviews
“Highly organised charity shop with alphabetised sections; books criminally cheap at about $3–7.”
2025-01 · The Spinoff
“Locals on r/chch regularly name Dove in Bishopdale among the city’s go-to secondhand bookshops.”
Reddit r/chch