Zodiac Records & Books (Book Exchange) — South Dunedin
A secondhand bookshop in South Dunedin, Dunedin. Part of the Dunedin & Port Chalmers secondhand bookshops directory — see also our NZ used-book price guide.
No rights-cleared photo yet — our own photos coming soon. Open the map pin for the street location.
About
Zodiac is the South Dunedin institution behind the yellow “BOOK EXCHANGE” sign on King Edward Street. It began as an antiques shop and book exchange, added DVDs and later vinyl, and today runs as a combined book exchange and record store — but owner Jim Lloyd told student magazine Critic that books remain the mainstay of the business.
The model is simple and old-school: bring a book in, take one out, pay a small exchange fee. Critic reported that around 90% of stock circulates through the exchange, with regulars dropping off bags every fortnight. The Spinoff described the shelves as “full of dusty old westerns and police procedurals”, which is exactly the appeal if you read genre fiction by the armful.
Critic also noted there are no other dedicated book exchanges or secondhand bookshops between South Dunedin and Invercargill. We re-checked in November 2026 and found the same: Milton, Balclutha and Gore have charity shops with books, but no secondhand bookshop — which makes Zodiac one of the southernmost in the country. Combine it with the record bins while you are there.
Price tip: Critic reported a $2–3 exchange fee per book; books can also be bought outright.
What you’ll find
Westerns, police procedurals, crime, thrillers, sci-fi (including classic Frank Herbert-era paperbacks), romance and general fiction; plus records, cassettes, CDs, DVDs and games.
Practical info
- Address
- 223 King Edward Street, South Dunedin, Dunedin 9012
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; Sat 9am–1pm; Sun closed
- Phone
- 03 455 3125
Reported as cash-only (no EFTPOS) by visitors — bring cash. Hours from Yellow listing; confirm on public holidays.
Visitor notes & reviews
“While the antiques have long since gone, the Zodiac book exchange remains a fixture in South Dunedin.”
Critic Te Ārohi
“Zodiac Books in South Dunedin, full of dusty old westerns and police procedurals”
2024-05 · The Spinoff