Sacred Grounds Taupo

cafe — Taupo · Taupo

About Sacred Grounds Taupo

Sacred Grounds is a boutique coffee roasting company based in Taupo, New Zealand, founded on three generations of family coffee knowledge. Located on Nukuhau Street, the physical roastery and shop welcomes visitors to pick up freshly roasted coffee beans, browse coffee gear, and grab a barista-made coffee crafted on-site.

Founded by Greg Phillips in 2018 and run alongside his daughter Jenna—an authorised instructor for the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association—Sacred Grounds roasts an award-winning range of single origins and signature blends. Their offerings cater to both home coffee lovers looking for espresso or plunger grinds and wholesale hospitality partners seeking dedicated equipment, beans, and barista training.

With multiple Golden Bean Roasting Competition accolades, the roastery emphasizes consistency, care, and approachable expertise. Whether dropping by the counter to talk brew methods or ordering whole beans directly from the roastery floor, customers experience a hands-on, community-focused coffee culture.

Sacred Grounds Taupo: Three Generations of Roasting Craft on Nukuhau Street

Tucked into Nukuhau Street in Taupo, Sacred Grounds operates as both a busy local roastery and a dedicated coffee shop where bean quality takes centre stage. Founded in 2018 by veteran barista and coffee technician Greg Phillips, the roastery carries on a family lineage spanning three generations in the tea and coffee trades. Operating alongside his daughter Jenna—a seasoned barista and authorised trainer with the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association—the team pairs technical roasting precision with an easygoing, approachable Kiwi welcome.

Award-Winning Blends and Single Origins

Sacred Grounds built its reputation straight out of the gate, earning nine medals from ten entries at the Golden Bean Roasting Competition upon opening. Each house blend is developed with specific brewing methods and taste profiles in mind, drawing flavor inspiration from familiar New Zealand coastal spots and classic origin terroirs.

The Acacia Bay blend combines beans from Colombia and Papua New Guinea into a heavy, syrupy dark roast with notes of omega plums and maple syrup, making it an enduring favourite for plunger brews. For milk-based coffees, the Coromandel medium roast delivers notes of scorched almonds, nutmeg, and honey. Those after an espresso or clean filter brew often reach for the Mahia blend, balanced with cashew and browned butter notes, while the Fair Trade Organic blend offers a lighter, sweet cup accented by milk chocolate and Brazil nuts.

The Roastery Experience

Visiting 44 Nukuhau Street gives locals and travelers a peek directly into the craft of small-batch coffee roasting. Alongside bags of whole beans and custom grinds, visitors can order fresh barista-made drinks directly over the counter while they wait.

The shop also stocks home barista gear, coffee machinery, and accessories, serving as a hub for both casual coffee drinkers seeking reliable guidance and cafe owners looking into wholesale partnerships or barista training. The philosophy remains straightforward: roast carefully, keep flavour profiles consistent, and make sure every cup delivers a repeatable, high-quality brew.

Signature items

  • Acacia Bay Blend
  • Mahia Blend
  • Coromandel Blend
  • Fair Trade Organic
  • Fresh Barista Coffee

Menu

Coffee Blends

  • Acacia Bay — Dark roast blend combining beans from Papua New Guinea and Colombia, with a heavy, syrupy body and notes of apricot, lime acidity, omega plums, and maple syrup.
  • Mahia — Medium-dark roast named after Mahia beach, balanced for espresso or filter coffee, featuring notes of roasted cashews, fruit loaf, golden syrup, and browned butter.
  • Coromandel — Medium roast with a smooth body and volcanic punch, tailored for large milk and espresso drinks, with notes of scorched almonds, nutmeg, woodfired raisin, and honey.
  • Fair Trade Organic — Golden Bean Silver Medal-winning South American blend with tasting notes of Brazil nut, milk chocolate, and soft honey.

Retail & Equipment

  • Barista Equipment — Selection of professional and home barista tools and brewing accessories.
  • Coffee Machines — Coffee espresso machines and brewing hardware for home or commercial setups.
  • Merchandise — Sacred Grounds branded merchandise and coffee accessories.

Barista & Roastery Drinks

  • Barista Made Coffee — Freshly extracted espresso-based coffees prepared to order by the team at the roastery counter.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Sacred Grounds located?
The roastery and shop is located at 44 Nukuhau Street in Taupo, New Zealand.
Can I get a takeaway coffee at the roastery?
Yes, you can purchase fresh barista-made coffee directly at the counter while browsing beans and equipment.
Do you sell coffee beans for different brew methods?
Yes, coffees are available as whole beans or ground for plunger, espresso, and filter brewing.
Are there organic coffee options available?
Yes, Sacred Grounds roasts a Golden Bean Silver Medal-winning Fair Trade Organic blend sourced from South America.
Does Sacred Grounds offer wholesale coffee and training?
Yes, they provide wholesale coffee beans, barista equipment, coffee machines, and barista training for cafes and hospitality venues.

Tips

  • {"body":"If you brew at home with a plunger, espresso machine, or filter dripper, talk to the team at the counter to have your beans ground specifically for your setup.","title":"Ask for Grind Advice"}
  • {"body":"Order a barista-made coffee at the roastery counter while picking up your weekly supply of roasted beans.","title":"Grab a Cup While You Browse"}
  • {"body":"Look out for the Fair Trade Organic blend or original roasts like Acacia Bay if you want to sample their competition-awarded flavor profiles.","title":"Try the Award Winners"}