William SmithBuying at an auction delivers a distinct adrenaline rush that scrolling through online marketplace listings simply cannot match.
Auckland’s auction scene is surprisingly vibrant, where industrial catering equipment sits alongside vintage wine and police-recovered electronics.
Serious collectors hunt for rare gems here, while students furnish flats on shoestring budgets.
To help you navigate the paddle-raising chaos, I have created this guide to the best auction services in Auckland, focusing on variety, transparency, efficiency, and excitement.
Understanding the local market is key before you raise your hand. You might be looking for a high-energy warehouse environment or a quiet, museum-like gallery.
This guide breaks down exactly what to expect so you can bid with confidence and potentially walk away with a steal.
How much does using an auction service cost in Auckland?
First-time bidders often face a surprise when the final invoice arrives, so it is crucial to realise that the “hammer price” is rarely the total amount you pay. Most Auckland auction houses charge a buyer’s premium on top of the hammer price, often in the mid-teens to around 20%, plus GST on that premium. So your total almost always ends up noticeably higher than the winning bid.
For instance, a winning bid of $100 could end up costing closer to $120 once all fees are applied.
In addition to the premium, your budget needs to account for other potential costs. Credit card surcharges often apply too, typically a few percent on top (for example, somewhere in the 1.5–3% range), depending on the auction house.
Moreover, you are responsible for the cost of transport. Since you must move everything you win, factoring in a moving van or trailer rental is often necessary for larger lots.
1. All About Auctions
Website: https://www.allaboutauctions.co.nz/
Address: 82 Leonard Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland
Contact: 09 579 7060 and [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Thurs 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Sat 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
For buyers who prefer efficiency over pomp and ceremony, All About Auctions stands out as a heavyweight champion in Mount Wellington.
The sheer volume of stock sets them apart. You might bid on a commercial pizza oven, a pallet of liquidation consumer goods, and a used hatchback or surplus goods, all in the same week.
Restaurant owners frequently look here to upgrade their gear, as the catering and hospitality auctions provide a reliable source for professional equipment without the price tag of buying new.
Their team moves stock rapidly, which ensures high turnover but requires you to be quick on your feet during viewing days.
While online bidding is an option, visiting in person reveals the true scale of their operations.
However, be aware that the “as is, where is” rule is strictly enforced here, meaning you should inspect every item thoroughly before bidding.
Customer Reviews:
First time dealing with All About Auctions and I have to say it was amazing. The team care about their customers and are very welcoming and kind. I had a small hiccup with a car I purchased and everything was sorted quick and super smoothly. Look forward to dealing with them again.
Thanks again to the team at All About Auctions!
- Dinoth Uthayasothy | Google Review
A great place to put a bid in on what they auction. Everything I have won from them has been in great order. Highly recommended!!!!
- Don Trask | Google Review
2. Webb’s Auckland
Website: https://www.webbs.co.nz/
Address: 33a Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Contact: 09 529 5600 and [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Sat 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (The Estate gallery only)
Webb’s represents the premium end of the market, offering a gallery-style experience that resembles a museum exhibition rather than a standard sale.
Where they really stand out is in high-end categories. They’re experts in things like fine art, vintage cars, jewellery, and wine collections.
Sellers with high-value family heirlooms and investors seeking a piece of New Zealand art history find this to be one of the most prestigious venues in town.
The presentation is consistently immaculate, with items beautifully catalogued to give buyers a high degree of confidence. Beyond the visuals, the staff are true specialists in their fields.
Rather than general auctioneers, you can engage in informed conversations about the provenance of a painting or the vintage of a specific wine. However, this level of service generally comes with higher premiums.
The price points can be intimidating for casual browsers, but for those seeking verified authenticity and high-end collectibles, the investment is often justified.
Customer Reviews:
We used Webbs to auction a large wine collection gathered over 20 years. It was such a seamless process. We delivered the wine to Wellington and were kept informed of the auction and reserves. Only a few lots didn’t sell and these will go to the next auction. We were paid quickly and were pleased with the prices made . The Webb people were friendly and helpful at all times. Thank you Webbs.
- David and Joy Butler | Google Review
Sold a beautiful painting through webbs and with Georgina who is part of the specialist art team. Georgina and Webbs were ace to deal with, very professional. I highly recommend using them for trusted transactions and impeccable service. The auction catalog was beautiful as well and really helped sell the piece, very high end. Thanks again webbs. 🙏
- Adrian Collins | Google Review
3. Cordy’s
Website: https://www.cordys.co.nz/
Address: 553 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Contact: 09 523 1049 and [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Viewings on Mon and Fri (unless there is a Public Holiday), and Thurs Viewing is 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM before Monthly Antique & Art Auctions
Cordy’s successfully merges the world of accessible collectables with high-end antiques.
While their monthly auctions attract the heavy hitters nationwide, they keep their weekly sales relaxed and easy for the rest of us to browse.”
They’ve modernised effectively with a robust online bidding platform. Once you’ve created an account, you can follow auctions and bid in real time from your laptop or phone.
This makes it very easy (and a little dangerous for your wallet) to keep counter-bidding from the couch.
While the thrill of the chase is genuine, the competition is equally intense. Because Cordy’s is centrally located in Mount Eden and holds a strong reputation, their auctions attract significant attention.
Securing a “steal” often requires a fight. If you plan to visit, be aware that parking around their location can be difficult during viewing times, so arriving early or planning ahead is highly recommended.
Customer Reviews:
I have bought several items from Cordys at auction over the past year and always found that the online bidding process has been efficient, easy to understand, and rewarding. One’s heart rate goes up a few notches with the excitement in the final minutes, too.
The collection arrangements, using prior notification to Cordys to make a suitable time, have proved very satisfactory as well, and I have always been attended to promptly and politely.
Merry Xmas Cordys, I will keep my eye on upcoming auctions into the New Year.
John S.
- John Spiller | Google Review
Cordy’s has a wonderful variety of items up for auction and their customer service is outstanding. I highly recommend Cordy’s to those who love the thrill of an auction and who like unique quality items.
- Alexandra “Lex” Du Machiavelli | Google Review
4. Thorntons
Website: https://www.thorntons.net.nz/
Address: 50 Fairfax Avenue, Penrose, Auckland
Contact: 09 622 1963 and [email protected]
Schedule: Wed-Fri 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Thorntons serves as a prime location for those who enjoy a true treasure hunt atmosphere.
Their regular police-recovered goods auctions draw big crowds, and inventory often includes recovered power tools and electronics being sold to clear storage.
When combined with general liquidations, this creates an environment where seasoned buyers can secure high-quality items for significantly less than retail prices.
However, these potential margins come with a notable caveat: you must be willing to accept a higher degree of risk.
Specifically, the strict “as is, where is” policy makes pre-bid inspection non-negotiable. There are no warranties here, so if a drill smokes when you plug it in at home, it is yours to keep.
Therefore, this fast-paced environment rewards knowledge and quick decision-making.
For those who know what to look for and how to spot quality, Thorntons offers some of the best potential rewards in the city.
Customer Reviews:
I am a regular at the Thornton Monday and Thursday auctions. There are many bargains to be had at prices you should be happy with. The staff are always friendly and helpful. Keep your eye out for the monthly police recovered goods auction, they are where the best stuff is to be found.
- Gerald Hinton | Google Review
Thorntons have a great variety of auctions, suiting most people. I have grabbed some awesome bargains using their site.
- FitForce | Google Review
5. Green Bay Auctions
Website: https://www.greenbayauctions.co.nz/
Address: Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland
Contact: 09 8271211 and [email protected]
Schedule: Wed (Auction Day): Viewing from 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Thurs-Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Pickup & Receiving)
Green Bay Auctions prioritises community character over corporate efficiency. The appeal here lies largely in the entertainment value and the “local” feel of their events.
Specialising in deceased estates and general household clearance, this auction house attracts those searching for retro and quirky furniture and practical home goods.
The Wednesday night viewing and auction sessions function almost as social events for West Auckland regulars, creating a much friendlier vibe than many city auction rooms.
The auctioneers frequently use humour to engage the crowd, keeping the energy high even during the slower lots. It creates a lively environment that feels distinctly different from the stiff formality of other rooms.
However, the inventory can be incredibly mixed. You often have to sift through a fair amount of clutter to find the true gems.
Their pickup window is also usually limited to Thursday and Friday after the auction, so you’ll want to be organised if you plan to bid here.
Customer Reviews:
A great auction house. Pete’s hilarious and Alan is a national treasure. …. Then there’s Glen – more great characters than a Disney cartoon. Great people
- Mika X | Google Review
For a few months they were an outlet shop for the late lamented Axent Audio, and as such, were a cornucopia for for the Good, Bad and Ugly of sound stuff. Sadly those days have gone, but still worth a look in, you never know your luck. Good people.
- Mike Diack | Google Review
