Because of our remote geographical location New Zealand can be a tricky place to buy board games cheaply.
Over the years I've found a few sources of games both online and locally that satisfy the cheapskate in me.
Online Stores
For me online stores can be broken down into two general categories: New Zealand based online stores and internationally based stores. Generally speaking the NZ based stores keep all their stock in NZ, they tend to have a bit less selection, be slightly more expensive but deliver much much faster and have far superior customer service.
Fishpond (Internationally Based)
Fishpond sells, many things including books and toys. Prices vary from fantastic to stupidly expensive and selection is large but spotty, you probably wont get the newest of the new here. Shipping times are long, no less than 3 weeks and usually more like 5 weeks but shipping is free! Don't expect to automatically get a deal but if you compare with other sites beforehand you can get some fantastic prices. I have purchased about 8 games through Fishpond and have had minor issues with 2.
Once I purchased a very cheap copy of Power Grid but in reality it wasn't in stock for that price and I ended up having to cancel my order and re-ordering at a slightly higher price. This was about a month of wasted time. I have also received a copy of Takenoko with a split box lid in one corner but it was such a good deal I wasn't worried.
Mightyape (Internationally Based with some NZ Stock)
Mightyape is similar to Fishpond except that its prices are a bit higher overall but also more consistently good. Everything is usually at least a modest deal but you do pay for shipping so factor that in. Mightyape will often have sales and voucher codes that if you use wisely can push things into bargain territory. I have brought 3 games from Mightyape and had no issues but havent been particularly impressed by the prices.
Selection is decent but not fantastic and shipping is on the longer 1-3 weeks side.
NZGameShop (UK Based)
nzgameshop.com sells both board and video games. Prices are very good with occasional sales and shipping is free for items over $50. They will usually have the latest games in stock for a good price. Delivery times can be slow, usually no less than 2 weeks. Overall a consistently good store but you wont usually see the "crazy" bargains like you can see on Fishpond. I have brought 5 games from NZGameShop and had no issues whatsoever.
Seriously Board (NZ Based)
Seriously Board is a dedicated online board game store and a large part of the NZ board gaming community. They host regular conventions in large cities and offer discounts to the many board gaming groups around New Zealand.
As an online store they offer competitive prices, a good selection, fast delivery times and unparalleled service. They don't have the widest ranging selection, many older items will be out of stock and the prices while good aren't potentially the best compared to a lucky find on Fishpond.
Seriously Board is my #1 choice for pre-ordering the latest big box hotness, they can usually get you the unreleased games before anyone else with a nice pre-order discount.
Games and Hobbies (NZ Based)
Games and Hobbies NZ is another NZ Based online store. I haven't used them personally but they seem to have good prices and offer free shipping on many items so I have included them here for the sake of completeness.
Locally
Locally you are really limited to two or maybe three main sources.
#1: Your "friendly local game stores" (FLGS).
Honestly your FLGS is probably going to be the most expensive choice, but they have a couple of things going for them. They will usually have a decent selection and you can get your game home quickly.
If you keep your eye out you might get a 10-25% discount depending on the store and the timing.
#2: Book/toy stores.
Book and toy stores usually will have an extremely limited selection of hobby games, usually you can only be sure to get the most popular of the popular. Settlers of Catan and Carcassone are usually available, you might spot the Ticket to Rides etc too. I have also seen some decent party games such a Snake Oil and Dixit.
The one thing they do have going for them is they will occasionally have large sales. It's not too uncommon to see discounts of up to 33%. But watch out, they may be marked up a bit more to begin with so the discount might not be that great.
#3: Local Conventions
For New Zealand there are two board game specific conventions that I know of: Board Games by the Bay and Wellycon. I cant speak for Wellycon but at BGBTB you will get similar prices to the local online store Seriously Board (see above). The downside is that they only occur once or twice a year.
Armageddon is also a local convention selling board games, I have found that at best you get similar prices to your FLGS there.
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