Cambridge is well-known for its cluster of antique shops which over the years have become 'must visit' destinations for those who scour the country in search of hard-to-find items.

Antiques on Victoria, 89 Victoria St, began trading in 1964 and others soon followed. Aly's Antiques, 87 Victoria St, opened in 1968 and Colonial Heritage Antiques, on the corner of Empire and Duke Streets, followed in 1973. Gordon's Antiques moved into its current premises at 89A Victoria Street 2012.

The Cambridge antique shops can always be relied upon to find rarities, whether they are unearthed in family estates or brought in by owners keen to turn their goods into cash.

You'll find rare books, pieces of china, jewellery, bits of furniture - in fact, pretty much anything that continues to have a value beyond its years.

As well as Cambridge's antique shops, collectors can also rummage around at the Antiques, Curios and Collectables Fair held every third Saturday of the month at the Tamahere Community Hall, in Divine Road.

Cambridge Auctions, in Empire St, holds regular auctions of furniture, jewellery, collectable items and bric-a-brac.