Lindt Chocolate Shop, Manawa Bay — Attraction in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu

The Lindt Chocolate Shop at Mānawa Bay may look like a haven for chocolate lovers, but the experience is unfortunately more bitter than sweet. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted not by the aroma of rich Swiss chocolate or a friendly face, but rather by silence and blank stares. Staff don’t offer a smile, a “hello,” or even a basic acknowledgment—just a cold, transactional atmosphere that feels far from the premium experience the Lindt brand is known for. You expect better service from a luxury chocolate brand, especially in a purpose-built outlet shopping centre like Mānawa Bay. Instead, it feels like you’re bothering the staff by simply being there. For a store built around indulgence and quality, the lack of warmth or customer engagement is genuinely disappointing.

Then there’s the pricing, which is frankly shocking. Most of the chocolate is priced at around $160 per kilogram, which is hardly what you’d expect from an outlet store that should be offering some form of discount. Even the pick-and-mix section—which is typically the fun part of a chocolate shop—starts feeling like a trap when you realise a small bag can set you back more than $20. And if you’re thinking of grabbing a treat on the go, like an ice cream to enjoy while strolling through the mall, brace yourself—Lindt’s ice creams are priced at $10 each. Yes, ten bucks for a single scoop, which might be acceptable if the service was outstanding or the portion was generous, but in this case, neither applies.

Overall, the Lindt shop gives off the vibe of a luxury brand that’s forgotten how to treat its customers. You walk in expecting a premium retail experience—something that matches the elegant branding and premium pricing—but instead, you’re met with indifference, high prices, and no real reason to return. Unless you’re absolutely desperate for Lindt chocolate and don’t mind paying top dollar for minimal service, you’re better off picking up your sweet treats at a supermarket sale or ordering online. At least then, you won’t feel ripped...

We came all the way from Rotorua to visit Manawa Bay today. Was alitttle busy. We especially wanted to visit the Lindt store so we came around but the line was busy so we decided to come back, again line was busy so we thought ok we’ll come back later. We came back after 4pm but the line was still long and the security had closed off the barrier. So seeing some people forming a line waiting we decided that we’ll get in that line. As we moved forward the security guard from Red security started telling us off along with an Asian family to move away and not form line”come back in 10 mins”,he yelled. So embarrassed since everyone started staring at us we moved aside. Then came a lady security guard dressed in black and stared telling us to move and not block the way but we weren’t blocking, we were standing aside. She yelled and told us to come back in 15mins, but I told her we had been back twice within 30 mins and each time line is full. That we were heading home soon. But she just shook her head. She was so rude and I felt so embarrassed. Both security could’ve being a bit polite and just asked us to move aside or line up alongside the barrier. Instead they yelled and argued so at this point I was furious along with the other family so we both decided to stand our ground since we had come a long way. Both security walked off laughing and giving us the eye. This whole incident ruined our mood and we only bought drinks and left the store. Please Lindt a special request, people are coming to your store not only from far nz but also overseas, standing in the queue for a long time, therefore you have a responsibility of making sure we are treated with respect and politeness, not barked at like dogs by your security. Atleast show respect for the loyalty of your customers.You don’t want to give the impression to oversea visitors aswell that this is how we treat people. You’re selling chocolates which can be bought anywhere, yet we make the effort to visit your store. Very...

Absolutely disappointed. I actually read the reviews and still wanted to try for myself. What a mistake that was. I had the full chocolate Gelato which had hardly any taste. I expected a nice chocolate flavour, but was left disappointed. The soft serve at Mc Donald’s is Better. My wife had the dark chocolate milkshake and that was disgusting, it tasted like milk. Will not go back here, and would encourage everyone to save yourself the disappointment and stay away. The staff were so busy and did not have time to do any customer engagement, which in my opinion is ok seeing that the store was so busy so I understand that, however they did get my name wrong and was calling my order with the wrong name, so finally when I thought it could be my order and they may have for my name wrong, I then went up to check if it is my order and if they had got my name wrong, the staff member looked at me frustrated which made me feel uncomfortable, especially that it was a mistake on there behalf. I even corrected the staff with my name and they still proceeded to call me the wrong name. Overall absolutely disappointing experience. I Will not recommend this place. I should of believed all the negative reviews. I am so...