The local thrift-store scene is healthy, with the Salvation Army offering up charitably donated goods at several locations in Mosgiel and Dunedin - one of them a shiny new family store in Princes St.
The other religiously affiliated stores and charities also provide well, with the Red Cross shop, The Op Shop, Butterflies the hospice shop, ReStore and likely several others.
But as with all thrift/charity stores, and even a general rule of thumb for second-hand shopping, it's like a treasure hunt.
You won't often just walk into a thrift store and find your treasure.
You have to dig deep, pull through racks of clothes, move piles around, but if you do put in elbow grease, often times you will be rewarded.
These stores have got everything covered from books to lawnmowers to designer handbags and dining sets.
However, if you are really looking for a super bargain, try the recycling store at the Green Island dump.
SECOND-HAND HOMEWARES
King Edward St might be considered the spiritual home of second-hand homeware shopping in Dunedin, with at least two large stores and one smaller dealer along its length.
Arkwrights, which has been run by Neville Herd for 20 years, and his brother John Herd's AA Traders promise high-quality second-hand household furniture, as well as some home appliances and homewares galore.
Tins, Temuka pottery and vintage heaters are proving popular of late, says Neville Herd, whose store caters for collectors of distinct homewares, while students and families looking for a bit of quality furniture can always find a bargain at AA Traders.
Along the street, Bev's Place specialises in furniture and framed art, but also stocks knick-knacks, books and clothing and other small-ticket items.
One side of the store has furniture, knick-knacks, books and clothing, while next door antique furniture mixes in with restored wooden beauties.
For a tidy piece of woodwork look no further than Weirs in St Andrew St, which specialises in quality furniture and restoration.
BOOK STORES
From furniture to fiction, Dunedinites are also well served by at least 12 second-hand bookstores.
Some, such as Scribes, Hamblyns and Galaxy Books, are part of Dunedin's lexicon, but with at least another eight stores, all with shelves groaning under the weight of top bestsellers, self-help and reference books, and often separate children's sections, there is no excuse not to fill in a few summer hours lost deep in a book.
CLOTHING
Vintage clothing and designer couture also has its place on the second-hand scene, with a handful of Dunedin-based emporiums providing a treasure trove of everything from high-end labels for cash-sensitive fashionistas to sensible coverings for those in need.
Modern Miss on Moray Pl is a repository for second-time-around hardly worn designer items, including vintage pieces, glittering evening gowns, retro jewellery and accessories.
Just along the street, Collectibles has a selection of nearly new fashions for the discerning buyer and for high quality, not exclusively labels, one can't go past Inside Out on North Rd. For retro and vintage items - not just clothing - try Purple Rain in Princes St.
Refind Rig in Great King St has everything for the trend-conscious crowd, and Savemart in High St has every kind of clothing you can think of, and all arranged by colour.
OTHER
That's not to forget, of course, antiques and crockery. You would be mad to miss the marvel of Broad Bay China in Broad Bay (well worth the drive), where you can find quality collectable pieces of china and ceramics, that missing piece from your prized classic or vintage dinner set, a piece of Crown Lynn to bump up your collection, or a unique vase, plate or other decorative item that simply makes you happy.
The city is also adequately supplied with second-hand whiteware stores.
