A little further south in Lyall Bay you’ll find Kate Necklen at Wonderland Chocolate. Kate specialises in plant-based milk chocolate bars and vegan caramels. As soon as you walk into the factory shop you’ll smell freshly-roasted cacao being ground into silky-smooth chocolate. Grab a strawberry and champagne bar for a treat as you walk along the beach.
Over in the historic suburb of Thorndon, you’ll find La Petite Artisan Chocolate. Found in Tinakori Village, this French-inspired chocolatier creates innovative and irresistible treats that look almost as beautiful as they taste. The family-run business is owned by Sel and Asli Gider, foodies with experience across the globe in all things delicious. You can’t go wrong with classics like espresso, rum and raisin, and hazelnut bonbons. For those with a more adventurous palate, the premium gin dark chocolate bar is a must.
Speaking of adventure, it is well worth taking a trip over the Remutaka Hill to visit Schoc Chocolates in Greytown. Here you’ll find over 60 flavours of chocolate bars, including bestsellers like lime chilli and crazy creations like the curry and pappadums bar. If you’re lucky, you might meet owner and ‘Chocologist’ Murray Langham. He combines his psychology expertise with a love of chocolate. Murray claims he can interpret your personality based on which chocolates you choose.