Wardini Books

There's a reason booklovers find Havelock North bookstore Wardini Books enchanting. The store is owned by an actual magician, the Great Wardini and his wife Louise (who does not have magical powers but is often swept under the spell of a good book). The store won the Nielsen Bookshop of the Year Award 2020, and its children's and adults' books are chosen with love by Louise and her passionate team. In-depth reviews written by staff are displayed on the front of the book jackets. “People want to know why we love that book and how it grabbed our emotions and all of our attention,” says Louise. As well as being a magician, the Great Wardini is also author Gareth Ward, who has penned three steampunk children's books, including The Traitor and the Thief. While he saves most of his magic for the pages of his books these days, he's a regular at the bookstore. "The Great Wardini may make an appearance at any moment— he is a magician after all. He wafts in to sign books, create the magic at Bedtime Story events and provide backup when things get busy. He's also a dab hand at DIY,” says Gareth. 16 Te Mata Road, Havelock North. (06) 877 7783, wardini.co.nz