Dunedin likes to be known as the chocolate-making capital of New Zealand, with tours of the local factory a popular tourist attraction.
But the development lab where new chocolates are created is usually off-limits - until today.
There was no golden ticket required for the behind-the-scenes chocolate factory tour today. Winning bids in a charity auction opened the door to a special VIP experience, including a visit to Cadbury's top secret development lab.
This is where chocolate scientists create and test new varieties in their own mini-factory, often using traditional techniques like hand tempering.
"You'll probably find that it tastes quite different to what you'd expect," says chocolate technologist Stuart Dickerson, "but I actually prefer the taste of fresh chocolate."
Watching a master at work is all well and good, but chocoholics today were ready for a hands-on experience, and of course the best part of being a crazy chocolate scientist is getting to make your own creations.
Unfortunately Nightline's plans to unleash lolly cake chocolate on the world were thwarted by security. Our malt biscuits and Eskimos were not allowed into the secure lab.
But there were still some interesting creations.
Money raised from the VIP tours will go to Cure Kids, a charity working to find answers to child health problems.
"It goes towards medical research for life-threatening illnesses in children, which affects around 20,000 children in New Zealand," says Vicky Jones.
It was certainly a sweet day to remember for one special VIP, Cure Kids ambassador William Currie, whose favourite part was licking chocolate off his hands.
For chocoholics who missed out on the VIP experience, never fear - Dunedin's annual chocolate carnival is just around the corner.
3 News