Three Llamas Coffee

Story

Our Heritage Our journey began in 2013 with a radical leap of faith. Founded by plant scientists Richard and Cecilia, Three Llamas started as an unexpected detour into the world of specialty coffee. After spending two decades in Auckland immersed in agricultural precision and post-harvest technology, they relocated to South America in search of a new perspective. A chance encounter with a coffee cupping course in Peru shifted their focus entirely. Fascinated by the intricate sensory profiles of high-altitude Arabica, they decided to apply their scientific background to the art of coffee. They meticulously mapped systems for harvesting, processing, and roasting to unlock latent, vibrant profiles within the bean. It wasn't about following trends; it was an obsession with raw flavour and the agricultural communities behind it. The Singular Focus From day one, we chose a path of radical purism: 100% single-origin Peruvian coffee. We don’t rely on multi-origin commodity blends. We believe that a truly great coffee shouldn’t hide behind filler beans or overly dark roasting profiles. Instead, we source exclusively from the rugged, cloud-covered microclimates of Northern Peru—notably the volcanic terrains of Cajamarca. By maintaining direct, transparent relationships with our suppliers, we exchange horticultural insights and pay premium prices to ensure their communities thrive alongside ours. The result is an incredibly clean, complex coffee that honours the distinct terroir of the land it was grown in. Grounded in Woodend After establishing a loyal following, the entire operation relocated to New Zealand, planting deep roots in North Canterbury. Today, our spiritual home is our roastery and espresso bar at 65a Main North Road in Woodend. Designed as a welcoming space for local daily rituals and traveling coffee enthusiasts alike, our Woodend outpost is where craft meets hospitality. Step through our doors, and you are part of the process. It is a sensory, living environment where you can watch our master roasters at work, enjoy fresh cabinet food or loaded bagels, and experience the effortless sophistication of an expertly prepared single-origin espresso. We exist to serve independent thinkers who value honest craftsmanship and a dependable morning ritual.