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

Having returned to Tai Tapu after a stint in Australia, owners Larissa and Hayden had planned on going back, but that pesky pandemic had other ideas.  A longer stay in Larissa’s hometown (yes, she’s a local wāhine) resulted in the concept for the store starting to brew, culminating in the opening of General Post, a hip greengrocer serving top-notch coffee.

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 real-fruit ice creams come summertime. 

Inside there’s a mix of basic and boujee supplies, as well as plenty of fresh fruit and veggies. All produce is sourced from NZ, with an emphasis on being as local as possible. You can find beautiful blooms from local grower Canterbury Hydrangeas, loaves and treats from Grizzly Baked Goods and coffee courtesy of Embassy. General Post does the best of the best. 

With their humming coffee machine, 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.