The Trading Post

Step into the intimate space to sample the good things in life – coffee, cakes and books – all served with genuine local warmth. This small shop contains an impressive array of local- and New Zealand-inspired gifts and provisions, toys and handcrafted soap. Flick through one of the books for sale while sitting at the communal table and seriously consider indulging in a coffee and piece of carrot cake to draw out the experience. Baked at Kinloch Lodge, just a short boat ride over the lake, Toni Glover has perfected the carrot cake recipe from the 1986 edition of the Edmonds cookbook. But she can't give anymore away than that. 13 Mull Street. (03) 442 7084, glenorchytradingpost.co.nz