Seriously Good Chocolate Company

About Seriously Good Chocolate Company

The Seriously Good Chocolate Company is an artisan chocolatier based in Invercargill, Southland, crafting handmade chocolates that celebrate the distinct flavors, heritage, and landscapes of New Zealand. Founded by Jane Stanton in 2000, the company builds upon a treasured family confectionery recipe originally created by her grandfather, Tik Heenan, former mayor, fire chief, and bookseller in Hokitika.

From pioneering wine-infused truffles crafted with Pinot Noir grape skins from Central Otago's Gibbston Valley Winery, the team has expanded into an inventive range of artisan chocolates. Collaborating with local New Zealand vineyards and craft breweries, their offerings capture quintessential Kiwi tastes using locally sourced natural ingredients, flora, and botanicals.

Visitors can visit the Spey Street cafe and shop in Invercargill to explore the full lineup of boutique chocolate gift boxes, novelty bars, and hot chocolate creations, or book classes and tours to experience the chocolate-making craft firsthand.

A Taste of Southern Grit and Sweet Heritage at The Seriously Good Chocolate Company

Nestled on Spey Street in the heart of Invercargill, The Seriously Good Chocolate Company brings together traditional confectionery craftsmanship and deep southern roots. Every batch of chocolate produced here reflects a commitment to pure New Zealand indulgence, blending local provenance with an enduring family legacy.

The Story Behind the Recipe

The venture began in the year 2000, founded by Jane Stanton using the handwritten confectionery recipes of her grandfather, Tik Heenan. Tik was a beloved West Coast pioneer—serving simultaneously as the mayor and fire chief of Hokitika while running the town's local bookstore, where he sold his own handmade chocolates. Decades later, Jane revived those treasured recipes from her home kitchen in Te Anau, crafting truffles for friends, school groups, and neighbors.

A breakthrough moment came when Jane began infusing chocolate truffles with pinot noir from Central Otago's famed Gibbston Valley Winery. The fusion of rich cacao with local grape skins and wine varietals sparked nationwide interest. Driven by growing acclaim, Jane relocated operations to Invercargill, establishing a dedicated factory and boutique dedicated to showcasing the authentic tastes of New Zealand to the world.

A True Taste of Kiwiana and Southland

What sets The Seriously Good Chocolate Company apart is its inventive approach to local collaborations. Rather than relying solely on conventional confectionery fillings, their chocolatiers partner with boutique wineries, regional distilleries, and craft breweries across the country. The resulting collections capture real botanical profiles, hops, and terroir in bite-sized form.

Their collections also pay tribute to Southland's distinctive heritage. From Burt Munro tribute gift boxes to oyster-inspired chocolates and lines featuring art by Dick Frizzell, the brand weaves New Zealand stories into sweet keepsakes. They also celebrate indigenous wildlife through the Native Bird Collection, alongside playful selections like the Kiwiana Lolly Mix.

The Invercargill Experience

At 147 Spey Street, visitors can drop in to browse the comprehensive collection of gift boxes, seasonal assortments, and luxury hampers. The on-site cafe offers a relaxed space to enjoy confectionery and drinks, including their popular hot chocolate spoons. For those wanting a deeper look into the chocolate-making process, the venue also hosts classes and tours, providing an engaging look into small-batch tempering, filling, and finishing.

Signature items

• Wine-Infused Truffles
• Beer-Infused Chocolates
• Burt Munro Collection
• Oyster Inspired Chocolates
• Hot Chocolate Spoons
• Dick Frizzell Art Collection

Menu

Cafe & Experiences

• Cafe Service — In-store cafe at Spey Street serving treats and drinks
• Classes and Tours — Chocolate-making classes and educational tours exploring confectionery techniques
• Corporate and Custom Chocolates — Bespoke branded chocolates and custom gifting solutions

Dietary & Information

• Allergens Information — Ingredient guidance covering allergens across the handcrafted ranges

Signature & Specialty

• Signature Chocolate Collection — Classic house truffles and gourmet chocolate assortments made with family recipes
• Hot Chocolate Spoons — Solid chocolate blocks on spoons designed to melt into warm milk
• Chocolate Gift Hampers and Packs — Curated presentation gift boxes and hampers for special celebrations
• Floral Collection — Delicately flavored chocolates inspired by floral botanicals
• Cancer Society Daffodil Day Chocolates — Special edition chocolates created to support the Cancer Society

Wine & Spirit Infusions

• Wine-Infused Chocolates — Handmade chocolates infused with distinctive varieties from New Zealand vineyards
• Gibbston Valley Wine Collaboration Chocolates — Signature truffles crafted in partnership with Central Otago's Gibbston Valley
• Spirit-Infused Chocolate Gifts — Handcrafted chocolates blended with spirits
• Gin Chocolate Gifts — Artisan chocolates infused with botanicals and gin
• Beer-Infused Chocolates — Unique small-batch chocolates developed in collaboration with NZ craft breweries

Kiwiana & Southland Inspired

• New Zealand Native Bird Collection — Artisan chocolates themed around native wildlife of Aotearoa
• All New Zealand Kiwiana Chocolates — Handcrafted selections inspired by classic Kiwi flavors and culture
• Seriously Good NZ Kiwiana Lolly Mix — Confectionery mix celebrating nostalgic Kiwi sweets
• Dick Frizzell Art Meets Chocolate Collection — Collaborative chocolate range featuring artwork by Dick Frizzell
• Oyster Inspired Chocolates — Specialty chocolates inspired by Southland's famous seafood heritage
• Burt Munro Chocolate Gifts — Commemorative chocolate collection honouring the Southland racing legend

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Seriously Good Chocolate Company located?

The factory store and cafe are located at 147 Spey Street, Invercargill 9810, Southland, New Zealand.

How did The Seriously Good Chocolate Company start?

It was founded in 2000 by Jane Stanton, who began handcrafting truffles in Te Anau using a family recipe passed down from her grandfather, Tik Heenan.

Do they offer classes or tours?

Yes, The Seriously Good Chocolate Company offers chocolate classes and tours at their Invercargill facility.

What makes their wine and beer chocolates unique?

They collaborate directly with New Zealand vineyards such as Gibbston Valley Winery and regional craft breweries to infuse authentic wine varieties and craft beers into their chocolates.

Can I purchase custom or corporate chocolates?

Yes, they provide corporate and custom chocolate options tailored for events, businesses, and special occasions.

Does the company offer click and collect or delivery?

Yes, they offer click and collect services as well as nationwide delivery across New Zealand.

Tips

• {"body":"Pick up a hot chocolate spoon from the Spey Street cafe for an easy, decadent melted chocolate drink.","title":"Try the Hot Chocolate Spoons"}
• {"body":"Check out the wine-infused and craft beer-infused collections for unique chocolate gifts made in partnership with Kiwi producers.","title":"Explore the Beverage Collaborations"}
• {"body":"If you are looking for Southland souvenirs, seek out the Burt Munro and oyster-inspired chocolate gift boxes.","title":"Look for Regional Gift Sets"}

Good to know

• {"payments":"Accepts American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Mastercard, PayPal, Shop Pay, and Visa."}