Chocoholics will be happy to hear New Zealand is home to some of the finest chocolate around. In 2018, we were all heartbroken at the closing of Cadbury World in Dunedin. However, you can still embrace your inner Willy Wonka by heading to one of the following unforgettable eight chocolate factories across New Zealand.
1. OCHO Chocolate Factory
Explore the OCHO Chocolate Factory and watch as they turn cacao into mouth-watering chocolate bars. Taste cacao from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Fiji in a truly memorable experience. Equally, learn about the history and observe the team as they wrap tasty chocolate by hand.
📍 10 Roberts Street, Dunedin Central, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
2. Makana Chocolate Factories
Take your taste buds on a chocolate adventure at Makana Confections. Specifically famous for the unique truffles from Irish cream, pinot noir, to name a few. Pick between two boutique chocolate factories: one in the heart of the Marlborough Wine Trail or in Bay of Islands. Delightfully, get schooled on chocolate making and taste delicious samples that will make the trip well-worth-the-journey.
📍 North Island: 504 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri 0293, New Zealand
📍 South Island: Corner Rapaura & O’Dwyers Roads, Blenheim 7240, New Zealand
3. Wellington Chocolate Factory
Gleefully eat and drink chocolate at one of the greatest chocolate factories in New Zealand. With a full tasting tour at the end, who could willfully say no? Plus, you’ll be in your element as you watch the process unfold from little beans to beautifully hand wrapped bars. For tickets, visit the Wellington Chocolate Factory website.
📍 5 Eva Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
4. Miann Chocolate Factory
Chocolate enthusiasts will adore this bean-to-bar chocolate factory right here in Auckland. Excitingly, indulge on tasty pastries, cakes, gelatos, macarons and plenty more seasonal treats. Be sure to take advantage of their newly built glass houses. These were created during the pandemic to allow people to have the best chocolate experience.
📍 14 McDonald Street, Morningside, Auckland 1025, New Zealand
5. Silky Oak Chocolate
This chocolate wonderland offers plenty of tour packages. For example, Double Chocolate Delight is a 30 minute tour showing the chocolate making process while you enjoy some confectionary. Alternatively, pick the exclusive Trible Chocolate Dipper where you embark on a three hour journey through the Chocolate Museum, Factory Shop and a chocolate overload of drinks and treats. For bookings, visit the Silky Oak Chocolate website.
📍 1131 Links Road, Waiohiki 4183, New Zealand
6. Solomon Gold Chocolate
This award-winning chocolate factory has Bay of Plenty’s own Wonka, Glenn Yeatman to thank for its existence. They are proud producers of the most heavenly and healthy bean-to-bar chocolate that is free from dairy, gluten, nuts and soy. Plus, their hand-crafted bars contain ingredients like sugar, peppermint, berries, caramel and more. Sadly, tours are not available but you can purchase some of their good-quality chocolate in more than 70 stores nationwide.
📍 1 Macrae Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3143, New Zealand
7. Cookie Time Factory
The only thing better than chocolate is scrumptious gooey cookies. Cookie Time Factory is great for kids and a serious chocoholics paradise. Expect to find heaps of freshly baked cookies in different shapes and a variety of tasting experiences. Equally, you can purchase a 1kg bag of cookie chunks to set you up for the week at home.
📍 789 Main South Road, Templeton, Christchurch, New Zealand
SEE MORE: The Best Cookies To Devour In Christchurch
8. Whittaker’s Chocolate Factory
Unfortunately, this factory doesn’t offer tours but we wanted to show you behind the scenes of crafting some of the most savoury chocolate on earth since 1896. The Whittaker family have been formulating chocolate for four generations. Luckily, you can purchase some of their glorious chocolate in stores nationwide.
SEE MORE: The Best Hot Chocolates In Christchurch