Reviews of Arty Bees Books Ltd. (Shop) in Wellington (Wellington).

Arty Bees Books Ltd

426 Reviews

235 Comments

Shop

Used book store

106 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Description

Information of Arty Bees Books Ltd, Shop in Wellington (Wellington)

Here you can see the location, open hours, popular times, contact, photos and real reviews done by the users.

This place has good reviews, this means that they treat their customers well and you’ll feel great with their services, recommended 100%!

Map

Open hours of Arty Bees Books Ltd

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

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Saturday

Reviews of Arty Bees Books Ltd

A.

This is a beautiful bookshop, packed to the rafters with books. We went in there looking for a book that has been out of print for years. While we did not find it there, we had the most amazing customer service experience. The lady who was there took the time to talk to us about how we could look for this book I wanted online, contact other shops directly. She even showed us how to do it all. The result is that, after 3 years of looking, I finally found the book. This must be the nicest experience I have ever had in a store - where they take the time to help you, even if there is truly nothing in it for them. Next time I need a book, Arty Bees is my first port of call.

L.

They have an older/rare books collection that is really nice and unique. The store also doesn't smell as musty as you'd think for having so many books. They also let me sit on the floor in an aisle and read a cookbook for a while which was appreciated when I had time to kill.

K.

Really nice selection of old and new books. It's always hard for me to find good Sci-fi/Fantasy books but I was super impressed to find a variety there!

A.

A treasure trove of stories. Easy to lose yourself in here for an hour or more. Wonderfully helpful staff and a huge range of books in every genre.

L.

I've loved this book store for decades. During level 4 I noticed a book I liked the look of in the window. Fortunately it was still there when level 2 arrived - and yes, I now have it.

D.

Always worth a browse. Very wide selection of 2nd hand books.

D.

Great stock of books with friendly, knowledgeable book loving staff

F.

Amazing. Huge and with knowledgeable and helpful staff. There may be books they don't know... It is possible...but I have my doubts!

G.

It is a great book shop, that you could spend hours browsing the various genres of books. Like Romance, Thriller, Crime, Paranormal Romance, Books for Kids, etc. Such a good place to be. You could order a book if they haven't got it in the store also.

k.

Love this place, if you're a book lover and are looking for a place to escape to then look no further.

k.

Great bookshop, both new and second hand, the fellow serving could not be more helpfull

C.

Incredible selection of books, could browse in there for hours

s.

I had been looking for a NZ foraging guide book for ages through various sources. Went here on a whim and asked the friendly staff if they had such a thing... two books found. I got the one with a weather resistant cover.

H.

Hands down my favourite bookstore. Massive range of books, and just the best staff and atmosphere.

K.

Lovely book store. All categorized by genre/subject and then again so alphabetically. Friendly and helpful staff. Could spend a long time in here :)

r.

Stopped by while visiting Wellington and purchased a Terry Pratchett book. I also received plenty of helpful advice about future Terry Pratchett books, and the staff clearly know a lot about the books they sell. The books are reasonably priced and there are thousands to choose from. The two staff members I spoke to were also extremely helpful in providing recommendations of things to do while visiting Wellington. Overall it was a fantastic experience and I will definitely be going back next time I am in Wellington.

J.

Very interesting bookstore that is well worth a look. Handy central location. I'd say many of the books are a bit overpriced though.

B.

Lovely bookshop! The staff are friendly and amazing. One told me a joke about distinguishing Grizzly bears and Brown bears.

c.

Absolutely love the staff here, they helped keep find some new books to read and discover some awesome authors! Very friendly and helpful!

C.

Found some recent publications on ancient Egyptian and Minoan civilisations, in good condition and reasonably priced. Look forward to visiting again when next I return to Wellington.

R.

Brilliant 2nd hand bookshop. One of the best I've ever been in. Really helpful staff.

G.

Great store for lovingly used books. Reasonable prices. Super helpful staff.

H.

The best second hand book store in all of the Wellington region. They have a very large range of books to purchase and offer both store credit or cash for those wanting to sell their surplus books. Very conveniently located in Courteney Place and they have reasonably good opening hours (but always pays to check their website for updates). The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. If you are looking for that missing book for your collection or you are wanting to clear some space on your shelves, this is a great option for you.

D.

Great bookstore. They have used and rare books too.

A.

Great range of books, mostly second hand, but some new titles are available. Easy to get around as books shelves are labelled and titles arranged alphabetically within their categories. Very reasonable prices. Super friendly and helpful staff.

J.

In my humble opinion one of the best bookshops in Wellington. Lots of variety, many subjects. If you can't find what you want ask the very knowledgeable people behind the counter.

A.

Extensive stock of modern and antiquarian used books, as well as some new ones. Lots of local interest and NZ authors, but also shelves and shelves of secondhand children's books, genre fiction, nonfiction, and antique/collectible volumes. As with any bookstore, prices range from "absurdly cheap" to "firstborn child," depending on the age and scarcity of the item. I stopped in as a traveler (because I can't walk past a used bookstore) and lamented that I didn't have space in my luggage to take more than a couple of thin books home. It seems like a good place to pick up a couple of cheap paperbacks for your holiday travel, find a gift for a friend who likes vintage sci-fi, or to acquire that early edition of Dickens to complete your collection.

m.

Ben Aaranovich! New books and old. Wonderful

D.

Has a great selection of books especially for a second hand store. It has everything from personal psychology to some tabletop books to manga. Throughly recommend.

P.

I pass by this shop at least once a day going to & from work. There is always some book I'm interested in on display in the window. I love browsing the shelves and chatting to the staff. As well as a huge range of secondhand books they sell some new books. I have added a lot to my collection with the help of the knowledgable and friendly staff. Prices are a little bit dearer than the similar Hard To Find Bookstore in Auckland but Arty Bee's has more staff and are paying central city rents so that is understandable.

B.

I try and get to Arty Bees every trip to Wellington. It's an absolute smorgasbord of books and I'll never have enough time to do it justice. New Zealand literature is my favourite part and I'm always amazed at the range available and the authors I've not heard of - have found some gems over the years. This place is slightly old worldly with staff who really mean it when they ask if they can help. I cant recommend this bookshop highly enough.

H.

Could happily spend a long time in here. Great choice of books and excellent friendly staff.

R.

I don’t know what I’m going to do without Arty Bees! I’ve lived in Welly for 6 months and it’s been a hard road, but this place has been a blessing. The staff are lovely and keen to help! The books are well priced AND you can get money off for returning books! I’ll miss this gem dearly.

A.

Relaxing music in the background while browsing through their collections of book.

C.

Love this second hand bookstore, has a really big collection and is well located. The atmosphere is pretty great as well

L.

A most excellent and comprehensive range of books I've ever had the pleasure to see.

F.

Always a good time looking through the stacks and finding the gems

F.

So many good books in this cute store. Wish I had such a good one closer to where I live. Try to go if you're in Wellington! :)

G.

Great selection of both new and second hand. I always enjoy to roam through. Plus opening hours are awesome to see. Open till 19:00 ish. Very unique in New Zealand.

J.

Destination 2nd hand bookstore in Wellie. Wide range with multiple choices on topics, i.e. mountaineering. Friendly staff.

T.

Very satisfied international customer. The books were very well packaged, shipped quickly, and they made sure that I wasn't overcharged for shipping. Great experience. Hope I can visit your store in person one day!

M.

Nice and large selection. Some sections Could be more organized. Somewhere to sit would be appreciated

T.

Great selection of books and helpful staff who are there if you need them but not in your face. Exactly what you want in a bookstore.

K.

This two level second hand book store is a treasure trove of old classics as well as a few new books too. It's a fun place to browse, or get out of the rain while you're waiting for your bus.

C.

Were going through the prices of re shelving , but still managed to find many of the books I was after (some of which one of the staff there had recommended to me) and sell them cheap. Everyone was lovely. The best collection of books I've seen

T.

Accompanied my friend to find a book for her friend. Service was excellent and extremely helpful staff members. Not only did the staff member walk us to the book section, she also stayed and helped us sift through the shelful of books until my friend found what she wanted. Awesome aye 😁. Thanks Arty Bees.

R.

Wonderful experience wandering through the books. Lovely staff. Great prices.

E.

Awesome range of books and easy to find everything on the shop, the prices are really reasonable considering not all books are second hand

M.

This is a bookstore with a difference, it is set up like an orderly library (complete with step-stools, ladders and display shelves of featured items) rather than a shop and well categorised with bright, highly visible, yellow cards. It has great vibes and is in a class of its own, far from the harsh, bright lights of sterile-looking, modern bookshops to the musty book-shelves of cluttered, second-hand bookstores. If you are browsing add a 10X time-factor to your schedule because ABB is a Time-Thief! There is a large selection of new and second-hand books from a wide variety of genres for you to explore, in a calm, relaxing environment with soft music in the background with nothing to intrude your armchair travels through time and space (cf. the large section of sci-fi books). You may find yourself delightfully surprised by your discoveries when you browse. ABB is located at the epicentre of the Manners and Cuba St foot-traffic, close to bus-stops, the Night Markets, Michael Fowler Centre, Opera House, etc. and nearby cafes and restaurants. Their 7-day, long, opening hours facilitate visits from even the most busy of customers, and their devotion to customer service and satisfaction helps to cement their ongoing popularity with visitors. Their prices are reasonable for their location as most items cost the equivalent / less than the price of an AVERAGE meal in town. It is indeed a national treasure as someone else below has pointed out, a valuable resource and a rare gem, right here in our city! We hope it may continue for another 30 years and more, and not get engulfed or displaced by on- / offline, retail giants in their quest to advance market share.

G.

Amazing shop, a fixture of Wellington. Often has books that are unavailable elsewhere. Knowledgeable staff, and warm. They occasionally buy high quality second hand books as well.

J.

Purchased a book online, professional process by store, courier to Auckland in 2 working days, was supplied a courier track code. Book was as described . Special Thanks to Matt and I will use your store again .

n.

Great online service from a great shop, can't recommend it highly enough. Great selection of books as well.😆😆😆😆

E.

Once you find your way around, it's grand!

J.

Love this second hand book store! Many hours have been spent browsing the shelves. Always a good range and staff are very helpful

D.

A great store. Have visited on two separate occasions and found the books I was looking for. The staff member who helped me was very helpful and knew exactly where to look.

C.

Great used books and a very helpful staff. One of my first ports of call when I'm in Wellington.

G.

Do you think ant a book about anything? Ask.

J.

A good selection of books across genres and very helpful staff. If you can't find a book in whitcouls (or not for a reasonable price) I'd recommend giving it a try here.

E.

Great range of books and very helpful staff!

D.

Good selection of antiquarian and hard to find history books, but an over emphasis on dry New Zealand history tomes that no-one reads and overpricing on most fiction hinders Arty Bees from being the best.

M.

So many books. All second hand but at good prices. Had a lot of originals and very niche collections which I loved.

E.

The week before my father passed away, he wanted to know more about his father who had died when he was 5 in 1935. He fought at Gallipoli and in Egypt in WW1, there was a book about his father's battalion that he wanted to see before he died. Arty Bee helped me track it down for him and also gave me the website to go to get my grandfather's war records. My father was thrilled both with the book and also with his father's records & the information about where he had been all through out the war, where he was wounded 3 times and where he recovered. Thank you Arty Bee, you are wonderful, you made such a difference to the last week of my Dad's life. Keep up the fantastic work!

B.

If you are going to visit - give yourself plenty of time. There are plenty of second hand and new books available. Categories are easy to find, but the range is huge.

P.

This place has an amazing selection of second hand books. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable

L.

I brought a very rare book over the phone to be sent to Australia. Book was in much better condition then i could have hoped for .... I cant thank you enough ....

R.

The prices are a little steep for second hand books, but there's a good range and they offer a 10% student discount!

J.

Great selection of new and used books makes this one of the best bookstores in the Wellington region...if they don't have it... they'll attempt to find it.

K.

Every book you could want old and new, and great friendly staff. My favourite book store I've ever been to.

J.

A long established business still going strong after all these years despite the onslaught of digital world! Excellent place with a vadt range to choose from. Staff knowledgable and extremely helpful.

D.

Friendly, knowledgeable staff and a wide selection of books for any tastes. My first choice whenever I go book shopping.

W.

We love Arty Bees! We've picked up so many fascinating and even niche books here, it's always worth a look in. It's a place you can get lost in :) We never walk out empty handed.

C.

Great selection of hard to find titles. I've found a few treasurers at this store.

A.

Best book store in wellington. A bit hard to find stuff but staff is helpful so don't be afraid to ask!

P.

Probably the best second-hand English language bookshop in the southern hemisphere. Found books that had been on my wishlist for a long time!

R.

A great selection of new and used books!

K.

Wonderful store which sells books that you will struggle to find elsewhere. It's a national treasure!

H.

A treasure house of books, some new, most secondhand. Every subject. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. Some rare books especially NZ. Best on Wellington.

M.

We love coming here as it's always a joy to see the wide variety of books on offer for a reasonable price

A.

Lovely place. Very kind owners. Sells used and new books. Good price.

J.

Brilliant collection of fascinating books, wish I lived in the city so I could pick through the collection properly

R.

Huge selection of quality books, with polite staff. Always keen to browse the shelves when I visit.

J.

If you need to part with some of your much loved books, take them in - they might buy them off you, or you can get double in store credit!

J.

Great for online ordering. Quick with postage. Recommend A+++

G.

Great bookshop have more of a selection than new stores

B.

Great selection! I think the owner has read every book in the shop - his book lore is quite impressive.

M.

EVERY time I'm in Wellington I book an extra bag home so I can buy more books here 🤣

K.

Very friendly staff and are very helpful to help you you find the book your looking for.

N.

Great variety of well priced books

B.

Fantastic shop, latest new books and great variety of second hand and unusual.

E.

Great variety of books, wish I lived closer.

V.

Not a bad place to browse through an excellent collection of books. They also have antique books on display.

D.

Didnt find what i wanted. Great bookshop.

D.

It has a good range of second hand books. How ever it isnt as good since they closed the upstairs part

M.

Great place with a wide variety of new and second hand books, and really knowledgeable and helpful staff

C.

Great for 2nd hand books, very knowledgeable friendly staff, open 7 days

F.

A treasure trove of second hand books and very reasonable prices.

A.

Good selection of second hand books, some in great condition, some reasonably priced, rarely both ☺️

A.

Didn't find the books I was looking for...but did get a couple of other gems.

D.

Fabulous collection of 2nd hand books in excellent condition

A.

an excellent book shop the best i've found yet . great range and fair prices thoroughly recomended

A.

Great layout and so many awesome books

D.

Best second hand and otherwise bookstore in the Wellington-Kapiti region by miles!

R.

Went looking for Beatrice Potter , Adventures of Peter Rabbit and more.....for my granddaughter. Wasn't disappointed. Knowledgeable and friendly staff.

R.

OMG.. I want to live in this bookstore. It has a fantastic range of books.

E.

Lots of 2nd books at affordable prices and friendly staff

J.

A wonderful place to lose yourself. Books galore !

i.

Super cute and love the extra old books available to buy!

A.

Great service with a great collection of books. Take 1/2 to read and buy a great read.

H.

Fabulous books, discerning collections of used and new books. Fabulous staff. Can't fault this book lovers heaven.

K.

Best used book store in Wellington with generally helpful, knowledgable staff

S.

Great selection of new and second hand. Opening later then usual for book shops.

J.

In the world of second-hand books this is a MUST! Well set out and realistically priced this is a haven for lovers of real books.

J.

One of the best. Huge selection and very knowledgeable crew.

M.

Expensive, but good selection. Also the last time I was there a staff member laughed at my Graham Greene joke so that was nice

P.

An excellent selection of second hand and antique books, however it is very expensive. I always drop in for a look when I am in Wellington.

s.

The only bookshop in Central Wellington worth the time and the visit

F.

Well organised shop with an enormous selection. Will go back again.

C.

Great bookshop, new and used books and super staff

H.

Antique book shop lots of variety. Many books in great condition.

A.

Super cool idea and cool finding books you’ve never heard of!

H.

Knowledgeable staff and wonderful books to buy, what's not to like?

W.

A great bookshop with a customer friendly layout.

B.

Awesome well organised selection. You can browse for hours. Delights everywhere.

G.

You always find a gem in here, even if it is not what you came in looking for. Take time to browse the shelves and find something out of the ordinary.

A.

Great shop .Nice friendly helpful staff. Si many choices. Wow!!

G.

It has great variety and staff have good knowledge

C.

Good amount of books but pricey

V.

Awesome spot, could have spent hours browsing. They had "upside down" maps!!

K.

Great selection of stuff, including music books.

D.

Best 2nd hand bookshop in town.

A.

Great experience, great books, convenience, helpful staff, the works.

S.

The sort of shop I could happily lose days in. Unfortunately a rarity these days. Wonderful!

P.

Awesome store. Bought a book from there.

J.

Good prices. Second hand books.

R.

Well set up bookstore and very friendly and helpful staff.

R.

Lots of books to pick from good Staff

R.

Really love browsing in here, terrific selection of great reads.

D.

Very help staff, good slection and an all round intersting place.

J.

Probably the best secondhand bookshop in Wellington. Not unduly cheap, though.

A.

Great range of books. Friendly staff.

B.

One of Wellington's coolest most loved spots 🖒

G.

Huge range of used books, helpful staff

M.

Brilliant treasure trove of all things bookish!

G.

I like the smell of old books and getting curious under the sheets

B.

Great range, friendly and helpful staff.

M.

Best quality used and new books in NZ

M.

Superb experience. Exceptional assistance and a wealth of knowledge. Wish I lived here!

R.

old school bookshop - wide and varied range!!

A.

Great experience, great books, convenience, helpful staff, the works.

R.

old school bookshop - wide and varied range!!

T.

Great choices, helpful staff.

S.

lots of books

N.

everything I could want and more, the later hours are convenient

M.

Expensive, but good selection. Also the last time I was there a staff member laughed at my Graham Greene joke so that was nice

T.

Literally my favorite bookstore

A.

an excellent book shop the best i've found yet . great range and fair prices thoroughly recomended

R.

Well set up bookstore and very friendly and helpful staff.

S.

Really cute and quaint but have a huge variety to chose from

X.

Lots of selection. Reasonable prices.

S.

Best second hand bookshop in wellington.

S.

Really cute and quaint but have a huge variety to chose from

S.

Great knowledge staff.

J.

Insanely good variety of books

R.

Best book store in New Zealand

A.

Huge selection but a bit pricey

e.

Awesome selection of books

J.

Upside: so many books to look at! Dowbside: too many books to look at..

N.

everything I could want and more, the later hours are convenient

T.

Found 'Arty Bees' an interesting (and time consuming) place to visit -will be back!

M.

Amazing variety, and friendly, helpful staff.

M.

Great range of books

D.

Very friendly even though were just looking

T.

Great choices, helpful staff.

R.

This is the place to go to find adventures or live a life new.

D.

Great range. Helpful staff.

O.

Every book that you can imagine you can find in there

G.

Obscure esoteric books obtained easily.

s.

Favourite haunt when in town!

J.

great book shop

M.

Awesome selection of books

O.

Excellent and passionate service thank you 👍

N.

Great sci-fi selection.

G.

Good books of multiple subject's

D.

Could spend hours here, lots of treasures to be had.

A.

Wonderful selection awsome staff

L.

Very nice place for all your needs.

D.

Closed upstairs now less selection now...😔

S.

lots of books

J.

Had a Plato book I was looking for

T.

Fantastic finds in this treasure trove

C.

Smelled good. Smelled like books.

M.

Just like a library with books of any kind.

F.

How a book shop should be!

S.

Great book shop

J.

Not as good as it has been in the past

M.

Really helpful staff....

J.

Great range, fair pricing.

A.

Great place with lots of variety.

S.

Very good

K.

Wonderful for the reader

K.

Love it.

M.

amazing bookshop!

s.

Brilliant shop!!

D.

Excellent thank you.

O.

Favourite bookshop

y.

Love it!

J.

I love books

A.

Find some hidden treasure

V.

Can I live here?

B.

Good range

N.

Fantastic staff

G.

Good staff and plenty of variety

K.

Love this place!

C.

Wonderful!

M.

Love this place !!

J.

Great place!

E.

Bit overpriced

A.

Such a joy

S.

Got what I wanted

K.

(Translated) In the heart of the city is this large and very well stocked bookstore that offers second-hand books. You can also find antique books. If you look around, you get the feeling that there are many more good books here than in a normal bookstore. (Original) Im Herzen der Stadt befindet sich diese große und sehr gut sortierte Buchhandlung, die Bücher aus zweiter Hand anbietet. Man findet auch antiquarische Bücher. Wenn man sich umschaut, bekommt man das Gefühl, dass es hier viel mehr gute Bücher gibt, als in einer normalen Buchhandlung.

T.

(Translated) A stock of impressing second-hand books in the heart of Wellington! (Original) Un stock de livres d'occasion impresionnant en plein coeur de Wellington !

K.

H.

(Translated) If arty (Original) Ngati arty

M.

T.

J.

E.

P.

M.

C.

J.

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L.

J.

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