On the hunt for second-hand furniture in Wellington? The windy capital is full of hidden gems, whether you're after affordable, long-lasting basics or a vintage piece that adds character to your space.
Maybe you’re furnishing a flat on a budget or love owning something totally unique. Either way, we’ve rounded up some of the best second-hand furniture stores across the Wellington region. From the heart of the CBD to Porirua and the Hutt Valley, here’s your guide to finding pre-loved treasures around the capital.
If you're sticking to the central city, be prepared for fast turnarounds at most second-hand stores. With two universities in central Wellington, op shops are popular with students so the good stuff can disappear quickly. If you prefer a more relaxed browse or want more variety, it’s worth heading further out of town to places like the Hutt Valley or the Kāpiti Coast. You’ll often find a wider selection of quality pieces and be met with less competition. Either way, the trick is to get in early—as in Wellington, the early bird gets the worm.
Shopping for second-hand furniture doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or style. Wellington has some great op shops and charity stores that are the perfect place to look for a new-to-you couch, bookcase, or bed frame without putting a dent in your wallet.
The key to finding good stuff? Popping into your favourite second-hand stores regularly. These affordable second-hand furniture stores are located (mostly) within a few minutes walk of one another, so getting around all of them in an afternoon is entirely possible.
Situated at 224 Taranaki Street, the Salvation Army Family Store is large and has a good range of second-hand furniture, homeware, clothing, and books. Known for its affordability and turnover of fresh stock, it's a favourite among students and shoppers alike. It’s a great place to pick up quality furniture or kitchen items for your home.
Convenient parking is available right outside, making drop-offs and pickups hassle-free. Need to donate something yourself? The Salvos have got you covered. Simply give them a ring or fill out their online form on their website, and someone will be in touch.
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From Taranaki Street, you can hop over to Aro Valley to browse through your local Vinnies store. Vinnies is renowned for its wide selection of furniture, clothing, and household items.
While they have a smaller amount of furniture than some of the bigger charities in the city, proceeds from sales support local community services, meaning your purchases contribute to a good cause.
If you’re looking to snag a bargain, make sure you follow their Instagram page. They often hold $5 ‘fill a bag’ days for clothing items.
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Not far from Vinnies is the Mary Potter Hospice Shop. Located at the top of Wellington’s iconic Cuba Street, this shop offers a variety of second-hand items, including furniture, homeware, and clothing.
The store is relatively big and filled with older, high-quality pieces of furniture. What’s more—when you shop at a Mary Potter Hospice Shop, all profits go towards providing free care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. There’s ample free parking available outside the door.
This shop is a true treasure trove in the capital, whether you're a seasoned thrifter or new to the world of second-hand shopping. The Tip Shop offers a unique experience that combines sustainability with the thrill of the hunt.
As the name suggests, the Tip Shop is located at Wellington’s southern landfill. It’s the last place furniture might end up, and the first place you should look for unique, affordable, and sustainable items. Run by the Wellington City Council, this shop is dedicated to keeping usable goods from ending up in the landfill and giving pieces a second or third chance at life.
Housed in a big warehouse, you’ll have plenty of fun perusing various furniture and kitchen items, second-hand clothing, bric-a-brac, building and gardening materials, and electronics. Everything donated must be in good condition (or working order), so you can rest assured you’re walking away with a quality second-hand piece.
If you’re looking for vintage, retro, antique, or just high-quality and good-conditioned furniture, put these top second-hand stores on your radar. From auction houses to estate sale specialists and vintage resellers, these stores specialise in exceptionally interesting goods in fantastic condition.
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Take Me Back Traders is a family-run vintage and retro store based in Upper Hutt that specialises in treasures from the 1970s and earlier. With a strong focus on quality and authenticity, the team sources unique retro collectables and antiques and even takes custom sourcing requests if you're after something specific. Their carefully curated range includes everything from mid-century furniture to quirky vintage décor, all designed to transport customers on a nostalgic journey.
They offer pick-up services if you want to donate or sell vintage items. Take a peek at their ‘Wanted’ page, which advertises the items they seek. Passionate and community-oriented, Take Me Back Traders is a true gem for lovers of all things retro.
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If you’re looking for second-hand furniture that’s one of a kind or looks like it belongs in a national museum, look no further than Dunbar Sloane. This well-renowned auction house in central Wellington offers you the chance to bid on antique and vintage furniture.
Whether you’re a furniture collector or are looking for a statement conversation-worthy piece, they specialise in estate collections, fine art, antiques, jewellery, and rare books. Their team of experts offers valuation and appraisal services as well. You can stay updated on upcoming auctions and services by visiting their website or contacting their Wellington office.
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An estate sale is one of the best places for second-hand quality furniture. Central Markets, located in Lower Hutt, has over 70 years of experience auctioning second-hand items. You’ll find a range of items from estate clearances to police lost property, commercial disposals, and collectables featuring everything from furniture and antiques to kitchenware and tools up for you to bid on.
Auctions are held every Thursday at 11 am in their Lower Hutt rooms. Previews are available all day Wednesday. View upcoming items in person or on their Facebook page. If you’re interested in participating in the auction, you can register for free to join in person or leave an absentee bid.
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Fans of Early Settler’s timeless furniture must check out their Seconds & Scratch/Dent products. If you’re searching for stylish furniture at a fraction of its usual price, their Trade Me account includes items with minor imperfections. You’ll find good quality items with scratches, dents, or slight faults—all ideal finds for bargain hunters, DIYers, or anyone looking for affordable furniture.
From dining tables and sofas to cabinets and homewares, the selection offers a variety of pieces that might need a little TLC but have the potential to look great in your home. It's a great opportunity to snag quality items at discounted rates.
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If you love mid-century or retro design, you can’t miss out on a visit to Add + Vintage on Marion Street in Te Aro, just off Cuba Street. Inside is a homage to all things mid-century. The store is carefully curated but very well stocked. You’ll find everything from cool couches, coffee tables, and buffets to kitchen items from the 60s and 70s, lighting, kitchenware, art, and knick-knacks.
While you can expect to pay big bucks for some of the larger items, everything is in exceptional condition, making each piece a worthwhile investment in your home. What’s more, the staff source each piece themselves and are extremely knowledgeable.
Whether you're furnishing your home or are looking for a one-off piece to make a statement, you’ll love their carefully curated collection of quirky and charming retro furniture.
Now that you've discovered Wellington's best spots for second-hand furniture, it's time to consider how to get your new treasures home. Whether you're purchasing from a local op shop or an online marketplace, transporting furniture can be a bit of a headache. This is where Wise Move comes in—a platform that allows you to easily book trusted, vetted furniture movers in your area. With Wise Move, you can request quotes from multiple moving companies, compare prices and reviews, and book a moving company that fits your needs and budget. Their network of professional movers ensures that your furniture is handled with care and delivered safely to your doorstep, making your delivery stress-free and hassle-free.
