KEY POINTS:
Hundreds of Harry Potter fans queued early at book shops throughout New Zealand today to buy J K Rowling's final offering.
The last book in the Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, went on sale from 11.01am.
Borders' regional manager Justin Barratt told NZPA that there were around 150 people outside the capital's Lambton Quay store when it opened at 8am today.
The fans were kept occupied by magicians and other entertainers, including face painters, until the clock ticked around to the bewitching hour.
Mr Barrett said he expected today to be "the biggest day in the history of bookselling".
"For every book seller - but definitely for Borders," Mr Barratt added.
He could not disclose how many people had pre-ordered the book due to an arrangement with the publisher but said there was great anticipation for this book.
"People have grown up with this book and I think they just don't want to miss out on the fun for the last time.
"They're very excited to find out what happens."
Mr Barratt said queue lengths were similar at Borders other three stores in the country and similar activities were planned, including magicians and face painters.
The queues were much longer today than for the launch of the last Harry Potter book two years ago, he said.
In Borders at Riccarton in Christchurch the line snaked through the entire shop and out on to the street.
As the last moments ticked by, the 1000 people counted down from 20, erupting in a huge cheer when the count reached zero.
The first person to receive their copy of the much-hyped book ran the shop screaming "Yes! Yes!" before disappearing out the door, desperate to start reading.
Fans had pre-ordered "hundreds" of copies of the book from Whitcoulls on Courtenay Place, store manager Fiona Gorman said.
There were also copies available for people who had not pre-ordered, butd she "had a feeling" the book would probably sell out in Whitcoulls stores in Wellington today.
Customers at Dymocks in Wellington were served by staff wearing academic gowns with burgundy capes and academic hats and were treated to magic shows leading up to the book's release, franchise owner Bruce Caddy said.
Rowling brought the boy wizard to life in 1997 with her first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Ten years and six books later Harry Potter has become one of the most recognised names in literature and has made Rowling the wealthiest author in history.
The first six books in the series about the young wizard, his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and his battles with Lord Voldemort, have sold 325 million copies and have been translated into 64 languages.
NZPA / NZ HERALD STAFF
