Looking for second-hand furniture in Hamilton? If you’re after something practical for your home or want something with a bit of history and flair, Hamilton has plenty to offer for bargain hunters and vintage lovers alike.
From antique stores tucked away in Frankton to large-scale op shops packed with homewares, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Whether you're furnishing a new place, adding a statement piece to your living room, or just browsing for fun, there’s something satisfying about finding great quality second-hand furniture, often at a fraction of the price.
So let's dive into Hamilton's second-hand furniture scene.
There are some great second-hand stores in Hamilton City. While you don’t necessarily need a car to get around, it will make your journey a little easier. Plus, having access to a vehicle opens up a whole new world of options. Many of the region’s best vintage, retro and bargain furniture spots are scattered across the wider Waikato, tucked into small towns and rural communities where you’ll find unique, large-scale pieces at decent prices.
Places like Raglan, Matangi, Te Awamutu and even Tuakau often have quirky, well-curated stores that are totally worth the drive. Whether it’s a barn filled with retro treasures or a boutique selling restored vintage furniture, these out-of-town stores can offer a wider variety and more character than what you’ll find closer to the city centre.
Shopping for second-hand furniture is the perfect way to furnish your first flat or simply save money. These shops prove that you don’t have to sacrifice quality when it comes to finding affordable furniture.
The fine folks at the Waikato Secondhand Centre live by the motto of ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ If you’re looking for a bargain or just unique pieces for your home, here’s where you’ll find it. They’ve been selling and collecting furniture, antiques, collectable items, appliances and tools since the 1940s and have an eye for quality. You’ll find everything from working fridges, freezers and televisions to drills, hardware and gardening stuff, plus homeware and accessories from days gone by. They also specialise in estate sales and household clearouts.
View this post on Instagram
Tucked away on Barton Street in the heart of Hamilton, Fossick Collectables is a vintage lover’s dream. From vintage posters and quirky home décor to jukeboxes, records and hard-to-find memorabilia, the store is a colourful, ever-changing space and an opportunity to find something new with each visit. The store was born from a group of friends pooling their collections and ideas and has grown into a beloved part of the local music scene.
A true staple of Hamilton’s vintage scene, Garvey’s has been buying and selling beautiful antiques and furniture since 1967. Tucked into the heart of Friendly Frankton, this family-run store is a treasure trove of carefully sourced pieces, from period oak and kauri furniture to art deco and reproduction styles.
The shop has been run by Patrick and Giulie Garvey for 58 years and is built on a deep love for craftsmanship and heritage. Whether you're after a one-of-a-kind piece for your home or looking for expert valuations across the Waikato, Garvey’s offers personal service, quality pieces, and a loyal customer base that spans generations.
View this post on Instagram
If you love the thrill of the hunt, McElwains Auctions is the place to go. With over 50 years of auction experience, the team runs lively, well-organised auctions three times a month, selling everything from quality second-hand furniture pieces, antiques and curios to tools, electronics, jewellery and even police-seized goods.
Auctions kick off each Friday evening and wrap up on Tuesday, with viewing days beforehand so you can scope things out in person. If you’re after something in particular, speak to them. Their team works really hard to connect you with the right vendors to find the perfect piece for your home.
How about something a little higher-end to style your home? If you’re looking for vintage, retro, antique or just high-quality and good-condition furniture, these top second-hand stores in Hamilton and the Waikato need to be on your radar. While many of them are located out of the city, they’re 100% worth the drive.
Image source: Pat's Shed Facebook
Pat’s Shed is more than just an antique store, it’s a charming way to spend a few hours of your afternoon. Located in a small shed with a cottage-like feel, Pat Jackson turned her hobby of buying second-hand items into a full-time passion. The shed is a family affair- run with the help of her husband and son, and situated across the road from Pat’s parents. Delightfully curated and well-laid out, you’ll find high-quality antique items along with solid wood furniture and well-restored home decor for sale inside.
View this post on Instagram
What better way to spend a weekend than with a road trip to Raglan? Along with the salty sea air and laid-back vibe, you might just score a bargain or discover a one-of-a-kind treasure at Rivet Vintage. This character-filled shop, run by Wendy and Stan, is packed with standout finds — think handwoven rugs, sheepskins, vintage chairs, wooden dressers, industrial and Turkish lighting, and striking original artwork.
Rivet Vintage is also known for its creative upcycling. For example, you can expect to see a funky armchair crafted from a vintage luggage trunk. If you’ve got something old that needs a new life, they’ll even custom-make a piece for you using your own unwanted furniture. It’s a stop well worth the drive.
View this post on Instagram
Another vintage store worth making the drive for is The Sunday Society. Nestled inside a beautifully restored 1919 ex-dairy factory just outside of Hamilton, this shop is a treasure trove of vintage charm. Founded in 2017 after a family trip to Europe sparked a mission to find truly unique pieces, you’ll find everything from antique French mirrors to rugged industrial workbenches inside.
Located off the beaten track in Matangi, the owners keep their stock fresh by travelling across Europe several times a year, returning with handpicked finds that are lovingly restored and pairing them with modern homewares you won’t see everywhere else.
View this post on Instagram
Country Treasures is one of the largest antique shops in the region. Their 5,000-square-foot showroom is packed with character, from elegant Victorian furniture to quirky retro finds, it’s a paradise for collectors and curious thrift shoppers alike.
Run by Mike Macdonald, a seasoned collector with over 35 years of experience and a sharp eye for the exceptional, Mike travels across the country to find the best pieces and bring them home to Tuakau. With new treasures arriving weekly, no two visits are ever the same, there’s always something fresh to discover.
If you’ve bought a special piece of furniture and need help getting it home, we’ve got just the solution. Wise Move brings together the most trusted and affordable furniture movers from across Waikato who can make moving that antique or retro piece a breeze. No job is too big or too small (or too far away). To book your second-hand furniture move, submit a delivery request and you’ll have a range of affordable and reputable quotes from Hamilton's best furniture moving companies.
