Any trip to Cambridge wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the GPO, you will immediately feel relaxed in an environment where home away from home meets sophisticated elegance. Enjoy the warm copper tones of a by gone era which simply oozes character.
The GPO stands proudly in the centre of Cambridge and has a very colourful history dating back to 1906 when King Edward VII was on the throne.
It was purpose built as Cambridge's new Cambridge Post Office complete with town clock tower.
In 1936 when Edward VIII abdicated to marry Mrs Wallis Simpson, it was extended with the grill put over the archway.
A clock originally took pride of place on the 53ft high tower but unfortunately during the 1931 earthquake it cracked and was re housed three years later in a newly built tower which can be seen in the Jubilee Gardens.
The Cambridge Post Office changed its name to NZ Post in 1987.
In November 2004, NZ Post moved its premises to Duke Street and the historic building was put up for lease.
12 months later after much research and effort The GPO vision was turned into a reality as the building was lovingly and thoughtfully restored into a sophisticated bar and brassiere now known as the (GPO) Short for the General post Office.
The Bar and Restaurant was opened to the public in October 2005 and has been a great success due to the growing population of Cambridge and the more sophisticated and international presence that is now being incorporated into the town. The restaurant serves contemporary NZ food with a strong hit of Mediterranean, pacific rim and asian fusion.
