Train Rides

Chelsea Sugar Factory Tours

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.

How muchTe utu: $19.5–$33
Ages: 4–89+
WhereKei hea: Birkenhead
Rating: 4.2; 332 on Google

Get directions Their websitechelsea.co.nz

Perfect for

Train Rides Indoor Activities

LocationTe wāhi

Birkenhead

100 Colonial Road

Directions Website

What it is

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 K3 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!

Andrew Oliver3 months ago

Really a worth while visit Nice walking tracks. With off leach area for doggies Had to try the chocolate lamminton whoo its big with are dark chocolate treat on Top!

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Lynn Konings6 months ago

Greeted by super friendly tour guide and "train" driver, accompanied throughout and provided with fascinating historical and the current operation info. Stayed for delicious lunch and took in the Harbour views. Great place to bring your out of Auckland or NZ friends and family. Thanks

Nicki Raistrick4 months ago

One of my favorite cafes in Auckland. Can't beat the food, it's awesome and the sweet treats are next level! The view across to the city on a sunny day with the sun sparkling on the water is probably one of the best in Auckland, for some reason we dont have many cafes on the waters edge. A perfect place to take international visitors or just hangout with friends and family. Great for kids and you can bring you dog too. If you have more time you can also tour the factory.

Sherrya month ago

Ä couple of friends were visiting and we went here for brunch. The site is beautiful and there are lots of footpaths for people to go for walks around the lake area. The food is ok. The atmosphere and cakes are what draw you in. Perfect for groups and kids. You can buy cute Chelsea kitchen items. You can take ä cake cooking class.

Reviews from Google.