For those looking for a break from scrolling the daily smartphone feed, perhaps now is the time to pick up a paperback and immerse yourself in words on a page. Luckily, Auckland boasts some delightfully boutique bookstores, in which to find those rare gems you can spend a few days truly lost in. So whether it’s an avant-guard new release or a dog-eared classic you’re after, these are all worth a visit.

1. Novel — 202 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay
The perfect place to go for compelling novels and beautifully realised coffee-table books, owner Andrew Mabel will help you find the book you didn’t know you needed or a thoughtful present for that hard-to-buy-for friend.

2. The Women’s Bookshop — 105 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Not (as many think by its name) an outlet selling books exclusively by or about women, The Women’s Bookshop has an intelligently curated selection covering a wide variety of genres. If you’re unsure about what you want– the staff are notoriously knowledgeable and happy to help.

3. Time Out Bookstore — 432 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden
A veritable haven for bookworms, this cosy, dog-friendly store is a neighbourhood favourite and superb place to peruse some new titles. They also offer a subscription service, where you can have a new book delivered to your door monthly or bimonthly.

4. Rare Books — 6 High Street, Auckland Central
With an entrance tucked away and off the street, this hidden gem cultivates an air of mystery, not only attributed to its selection of exceedingly rare, precious or hard-to-find books. If you want something extra-special, this is the place.

5. Unity Bookstore — 19 High Street, Auckland Central
Also on High Street, the folks at this renowned bookstore pride themselves on their uncanny ability to track down and import odd and mysterious titles at your request. They also have an extensive catalogue in store.