Auckland's Iconic Chelsea Sugar Factory Is Reopening to the Public

Auckland's iconic pink-hued sugar factory will throw its doors open to the public later this month, and there's no need to go digging for an exclusive golden ticket — entry is free.

The newly-titled visitor attraction Chelsea Bay Visitor and Food Education Centre comes as Kiwi baking heavyweights Chelsea Sugar and Edmonds join forces. The harbour-side refinery previously hosted around 10,000 tours per year in the 80s and 90s before the health and safety police pulled the plug.

Opening Saturday, 27 October, the centre aims to encourages visitors to rediscover the simple joy of baking, learn more about where their food comes from, and take a step back in time to experience the 134-year history of the heritage site.

Immersive Factory tours will see visitors travel by miniature train around the site and factory floor to see how different Chelsea products are transformed into what you buy at the supermarket. Expect to taste syrups, stand at the foot of a giant sugar mountain, and witness the journey of raw sugar as its offloaded from ships berthed in the Waitemata Harbour. Beginning Monday, 29 October, the hour-long tours will run weekdays while the factory is in operation.

Sugar at Chelsea Bay is the new onsite bakery and eatery from successful hospitality couple Fran Mazza and Aaron Carson (Winona Forever, Major Tom, Friday I'm in Love, Fang). Open to the public seven days a week, the 80-seat venue will be the place to unwind over Supreme coffee, brunch or glass of wine while taking in views of the Waitemata Harbour.

The Interactive Education Zone will explore the history of Chelsea and Edmonds in a state-of-the-art interactive education zone. Visitors can also take a digital baking journey with chef Annabelle White or learn how to bake chocolate chip cookies in a custom-made kitchen as part of the Edmonds Baking School. The one-hour classes are currently only available for school bookings, though adult classes will soon be open across evenings and weekends.

Entry and parking at the centre is free of charge, while fees apply for factory tour and baking classes.

The Chelsea Bay Visitor and Food Education Centre will be open from Saturday, 27 October, 7am-4pm, seven days a week. Find it at 100 Colonial Road, Birkenhead. For more information, visit chelsea.co.nz/chelseabay.

Image: Chelsea Bay.