Wonderland Chocolate

Evoking the spirit of a long-lost local amusement park, Wonderland Chocolate brings something truly magical to Wellington’s Lyall Bay and beyond: plant-based vegan chocolate that arguably tastes better than the original.

Tucked away in the heart of the trendy Lyall Bay Junction, this bright little chocolate shop has based its theme on the Wonderland Adventure Park that called Miramar home in the early 1900s. The jovial carnival atmosphere is embedded in everything from the fit-out to the beautiful, locally designed packaging, with a distinctive turquoise splashed across the front and throughout the inside of the store. Just behind the counter, on which tempting samples are invitingly laid out, large glass panes give you a sneak peek at a pocket-sized chocolate factory where the magic happens.

In keeping with the amusement park vibe, each Wonderland product is named after a character, and you’re invited to get to know the entire cast. A crowd favourite is the ‘Conrad the Contortionist’ pineapple chews, big, chunky blocks coated in a creamy cashew milk chocolate. The ‘Cheri the Snake Charmer’ salted caramels are another hot item, and the ‘Ronnie & Rita’ hazelnut and plum bar packs a sensational double whammy.

At the core of this exuberant, fun-filled brand is a simple mission: to introduce New Zealanders to delicious, planted-based, and gluten-free chocolate treats that don’t compromise on taste or the environment. Wonderland is out to pull off a feat that few have dared before, to bring alternative chocolates into the mainstream. Come along for the ride.