Wanderlust Books

Some adventures in Central Otago require two wheels, while others call for a stroll down to number 55 Centennial Avenue, where thousands of pages patiently wait to whisk readers away to destinations both near and far.

Originally from Ontario in Canada, Tim opened Wanderlust Books in 2008. To be clear, this is no ordinary bookshop. You may spot a few recent releases, but the vast collection of old, rare and collectible titles sets this shop apart. 

So, how do so many secondhand books end up in one place? The packed shelves are a combination of locals ‘downsizing’ their collection at home, wandering nomads swapping  a paperback or three to lighten their load, and Tim going out in search of  scarce material himself. Over time, this has resulted in an eclectic collection that spans every genre, place and era. On one side you’ll find biographies, New Zealand history, mythology/folklore and travel, while whimsical children’s books, hunting/fishing, maritime/military/polar & mountaineering history, science and architecture sit opposite. In the heart of the shop, an unexpected staircase leads down into a world of fiction, classics, poetry and drama.

Wanderlust Books lives up to its name, feeding those with a desire to uncover new territory and knowledge. The charm of the shop is further enhanced by its exposed schist stone walls adorned in old-fashioned lanterns, creating an atmosphere of delightful escapism.