Melt my heart
It’s a chocoholic’s dream come true, writes Siobhan Downes.
Every July, Dunedin hosts the ultimate festival for those who are sweet of tooth.
Where/what is it?
Dunedin, as you might be able to tell from the occasional delicious scent wafting over the city centre, is home to one of just two Cadbury chocolate factories in the world that can be visited by the public (the other is in Birmingham, England). So it’s a natural fit for a festival that worships the cocoa bean.
‘‘I just think the city of Dunedin comes alive with chocolate. It’s everywhere,’’ says Kylie RuwhiuKarawana, Cadbury’s events and Cadbury World manager.
This year will be the 16th carnival, with 60 events planned and around 62,000 chocolate lovers expected to descend upon the southern city.
Why go?
Chocolate is obviously the main attraction, and the carnival is chocablock with opportunities for tasting.
Delectable events include a chocolate degustation dinner at the beautiful Glenfalloch restaurant and gardens, and a beer and chocolate matching session at the Speight’s Brewery.
There’s also a Cadbury Couture fashion show, where budding designers create a garment made from chocolate foil, a Cadbury winter ball at Larnach Castle, and you can even get a chocolate facial at Erban Spa.
The carnival culminates in the most legendary event – the Jaffa race, in which 75,000 Giant Jaffas are hurled down Baldwin St, the steepest street in the world.
Insider tip
Live out your Willy Wonka fantasy with a tour of Cadbury World, where you can learn about the chocolate making process from Carnival-goers enjoy a chocolate bar with their chocolate facial; right, Jaffas hurtle down Baldwin St, Dunedin during the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival. bean to bar, and even experience the world’s largest chocolate waterfall.
And don’t forget to try a specialty hot chocolate at the Cadbury World Cafe – it’s like drinking a liquid version of your favourite chocolate bar, with flavours including Pinky, Caramello and Coconut Rough.
What else to do
A trip out to the Otago Peninsula is a must. Visit Taiaroa Head, home to the only mainland colony of albatross in the Southern Hemisphere.
Take a tour of the observatory to see these majestic birds in their natural habitat.
If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you’ll love Olveston Historic Home, often described as the most beautiful home in New Zealand. Olveston was built in 1906 for local businessman David Theomin, who needed a place to store his growing collection of paintings, furniture and artefacts. The house and its contents were gifted to the city of Dunedin in 1966, and in 2014, Olveston was named the top attraction in New Zealand by TripAdvisor.
How much?
Some events are free, while tickets for fancier events (like the degustation dinner, or the ball) cost around the $100 mark.
Details
The Cadbury Chocolate Carnival will be held in Dunedin from July 16-22. For information visit cadbury.co.nz/joy/carnival.