Second hand shopping in Wānaka

Loved by many, second hand shopping is a hobby and an art. It’s also far more sustainable than buying new!

The team at Plastic Free Wānaka love a good second hand shop. From clothes to toys and everything in between, you can buy almost everything you need second hand.

Wānaka’s second hand shops are like hidden treasure troves, filled with quality items and things you didn’t even realise you needed. So, before you spend a fortune on buying new, we recommend shopping second hand first.

Wastebusters

Two people in colourful ski gear sitting on brightly coloured tyres outside the Wanaka Wastebusters store.

Known to the locals as ‘Wasties’, Wastebusters is usually the first place to go if you are looking for something. As close to Alladin’s cave as you are going to get, Wastebusters is a community enterprise dedicated to zero waste. It stocks heaps of second hand items for bargain prices including clothing, kitchenware, homeware, appliances, toys, bikes, off-cut wood, scrap metal, skis and more. For baby clothes and children’s toys, you can even fill up a whole tote bag for just $5.

Alternatively, if your garage is filling up with clutter, just take it to Wastebusters and let someone else enjoy it. Rather than throw items in the bin, your pre-loved goodies could become another person’s treasure. You can also drop off hard-to-recycle or unusual items like polystyrene, Tetra Pak, and computer equipment (for a small fee). Check out their website for more info. 

Location: Ballantyne Road

Website: www.wastebusters.co.nz 

Salvation Army Family Store

A second hand shopping store in Wanaka with rails of clothes and other items.

The Salvation Army Family Store is another popular shop in Wānaka. This large store covers everything from arts and crafts to unique bric-a-brac. There’s also a great range of clothing along with toys, books, bedding, mattresses and more. Visit regularly to sniff out the best buys.

Location: Unit 3/10-12 Umbers St 

Website: www.facebook.com/wanakafamilystore/

LOFT Preloved Boutique

Two mannequins in long coats, with handbags, dresses and boots outside a second hand shopping store in Wanaka.

Who said second hand shopping couldn’t be glamorous? Shaking up Wānaka’s op-shopping scene, LOFT specialises in pre-loved designer clothes with a range of beautiful items. From fur coats to ball gowns, this shop offers a sustainable way to attain the finer things in life. The great part is that people who bring in their pre-loved belongings can earn cash in return. The shop also offers gift vouchers for any eco minded friends or family members in need of a treat. 

Location: 87 Sir Tim Wallis Drive

Website: www.facebook.com/loftboutiqueTaiTapu/

Wānaka Hospice Shop

Second hand children's clothes

Last but certainly not least, the Wānaka Hospice Shop is another great place for second hand shopping. Run by a team of wonderful volunteers, it offers a laid-back vibe and plenty of useful finds including $1 baby clothes. Alongside clothes, shoes and bags, you’ll also find lots of kitchenware, knitwear, games and books. 

Location: 11A Brownston St

Website: www.otagohospice.co.nz