Train Rides · Birkenhead

Chelsea Sugar Factory Tours

4.2325 Google reviews

Younger kids (4–8)Older kids (9+)Indoors

How muchTe utu: $19.5–$33
Their siteHe pārongo atu anō: chelsea.co.nz
Last checkedI tirohia: Last checked 9 Aug 2026

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LocationTe wāhi

Birkenhead

Directions Website

What it is

The Chelsea Sugar Factory has been refining sugar on the Waitematā Harbour shore for over 130 years, and its tours pull back the curtain on a genuinely working industrial site. On the 60-minute fully guided factory tour, visitors don pink hi-vis vests, helmets, hairnets and safety glasses before walking the factory floor — travelling via the wharf to see the raw sugar mountain in the store, stopping at the Melt House to watch the first stages of production, and climbing to the Pan Station to learn how sugar reaches its final form. The tour ends with a taste of the factory's own syrups.

Families with younger children, or anyone who can't manage the 80 stairs, can take the 25-minute Mini Train Ride around the site instead. Senior group bookings can combine either tour with Devonshire tea or a light lunch at the on-site Sugar Café.

The full tour is open to children aged five and over; under-fives are welcome on the train ride. All visitors must wear long sleeves, long trousers and enclosed flat-soled shoes. No cameras or phones are permitted on the factory floor.

What other parents say

Sana K2 months ago

Great experience! Staff were super friendly and accommodating! Mini train tour was fun and suitable for little ones. Cafe was a little bit pricey, but the food was delicious! Nice spot for a family day out/brunch!

Paige W10 months ago

Took the sugar factory tour and loved it! The staff were really friendly and patient, explaining everything step by step. It was amazing to see how local sugar is actually made. The little train driver even showed up in a photo from 1985—he’s clearly been here forever! The factory itself is full of history, and there are walking trails, a cafe, and a playground nearby, so it’s perfect for families.

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Trish Newshama month ago

We did the sugar factor tour which is something I’ve always wanted to do. Noeline our host and the driver were amazing. The tour was interesting and all the facilities were great. A lovely setting and cafe. It was very professional. I also loved the store and kids had so much fun in the interactive kids zone. This was good value for money . If you can time it right try and visit when there is a shop in unloading the sugar. I would do this again and go back to the lovely cafe. Cafe and shop staff were also lovely . A great day and highly recommended.

Elaine2 months ago

My 10 and 7 year old children went on the 60 minutes tour and they really enjoyed it. The highlights were the sugar mountain and testing the different types of Syrups. The tour guide Caroline was very knowledgeable and very engaged with the children, it was a great opportunity for the children to learn and experience something new. I highly recommend it.

manjul sharma3 months ago

The factory tour was truly remarkable. My 8-year-old son was fascinated to learn about the presence of such an impressive sugar factory in Aotearoa. It was also my first opportunity to witness the sugar-making process. Your tour guides demonstrated immense passion in their presentations, and we thoroughly enjoyed every conversation we had with them. I am certain to return with my extended family and friends. Your cafe is also exceptional; we greatly appreciated the coffee and our lunch. We are grateful for the delightful syrups provided at the conclusion; that was a wonderful addition. Thank you very much.

Reviews from Google.