Human Connection & The Meticulous Pursuit of Flavour
At Three Llamas Coffee, coffee is more than just a morning ritual; it is about human connection and the magic that happens when people come together over an exceptional cup. Our story belongs to a legacy of curiosity, a refusal to settle for the ordinary, and a deep-seated belief that the coffee you enjoy today should remain as distinct and uncompromised as the day we first opened our doors.
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.
Our Sourcing & Sustainability
Radical Single-Origin Purism: We don't hide behind lazy, multi-origin commodity blends or mask defects with over-roasting. We let the true, vibrant terroir of high-altitude Northern Peru speak for itself with absolute clarity—undiluted, uncompromised, and standing entirely on its own.
Genuine Trade and Soil-to-Cup Responsibility: Sustainability isn't a marketing tagline or a corporate checklist. We build deep, direct relationships with our growers in Peru, exchanging horticultural insights and paying premium prices to ensure their families thrive alongside our roastery.
Empowering the Local Collective: True sustainability starts at origin but lives where you plant your roots. We are deeply committed to investing back into our North Canterbury community. From sponsoring local events and supporting sports teams to collaborating with regional artisans, we ensure our business remains a driving force for positive local impact and genuine connection.
Our Craft & Science
• Born From Science, Fuelled by Precision: Our foundation is built on plant biology, data, and agricultural precision. Roasting isn't a guessing game; we treat every roast curve like a precise formula, manipulating heat and airflow to unlock the hidden, complex sweetness and crisp acidity of the bean.
Our People & Culture
Effortless Canterbury Soul: Operating from our independent roastery outpost just north of Christchurch, we bring a laid-back sophistication and quiet confidence to the local scene. We skip the corporate pretence and focus on true South Island hospitality—serving the dreamers, the road-trippers, and the daily ritualists with great energy, loaded bagels, and an honest community connection.
Fuelling the Whole of Aotearoa: While our physical heart beats in Woodend, our community stretches from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Through our seamless online subscription service and national wholesale partnerships, we dispatch fresh-roasted single-origin excellence daily. Whether you are brewing at a coastal cafe in the North Island or a kitchen bench in the deep South, Three Llamas delivers the perfect morning ritual directly to your door.
