General Post

You’ll find a few golden nuggets interspersed around Tai Tapu, and General Post is one of them. This small neighbourhood cafe has tonnes of practicality and style. 

Having returned to Tai Tapu after a stint in Australia, owners Larissa and Hayden planned on going back, but that pesky pandemic had other ideas. A longer stay in Larissa’s hometown (yes, she’s a local wahine) resulted in ideas for a business starting to brew, culminating in the opening of General Post, a hip cafe serving top-notch coffee alongside a small dried goods and dairy grocer section.

New to hospitality in every sense, Larissa and Hayden have an astute eye for excellent produce, design and sustainability. Every part of the store has been carefully thought out. The counter is made from recycled timber salvaged from Hayden’s job as a carpenter, and the original windows have been lovingly (and painstakingly) restored to their former glory by the couple - with some help from Larissa’s dad. As a result, the window serves as a handy hatch for takeaway coffees and bites.

Inside, there’s a mix of basic and boujee supplies, not to metion mouth-watering café food and a cup of Embassy coffee that hits the spot every time. You can find beautiful blooms from local grower Canterbury Hydrangeas, and loaves and treats from Grizzly Baked Goods - General Post does the best of the best. 

With a humming coffee machine, an easy, laid-back vibe and well-stocked shelves, General Post is quickly becoming the hub of the community, a place that happily ushers in locals and travellers in need of sustenance.