There’s a cuppa Milo, and then there is this insanely decadent Rolls-Royce of hot chocolate drinks. Tucked away on O’Connell Street, Cocoa Wilds is a family-run chocolate shop dedicated to the art of indulgence and where these extraordinarily appealing hot creations are a major drawcard.

Launched in 2023 following extensive research and travels through Paris and Italy, Cocoa Wilds brings a European appreciation for chocolate craftsmanship to the heart of the city. Inside, freshly handcrafted chocolates and decadent bars sit alongside a curated selection from some of New Zealand’s finest bean-to-bar producers, including Foundry Chocolate, Shirl & Moss, Hogarth and Lucid Chocolatier.

But it’s the hot chocolates that are hands down the best we have ever tried. The hot chocolate drink is crafted with real melted chocolate, then crowned with a glorious swirl of toasted marshmallow. This is the sort of soul-warming delight that is guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits. Rich, velvety and unapologetically generous, this is precisely the kind of comfort that Auckland’s unpredictable weather calls for.

And should you find yourself craving more, the cabinets are filled with handcrafted chocolates and other sweet temptations worth taking home. Consider this your weekend destination.

cocoawilds.co.nz