“An ice cream a day” might be our summer mantra, but this frequency can make it necessary to branch out from the typical flavours. From gourmet gelato to classic cones, these are the best ice cream scoops to seek out around Auckland.
Duck Island
Locations: Ponsonby, Takapuna & Newmarket
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One of our favourite scoops has to be Duck Island’s Salted Caramel & Cacao Crumb flavour, perfectly sweet with a moreish hint of salt, finished with clusters of cacao nib crumbs layered throughout to offer a bit of chew and texture. That said, this ice cream purveyor is known for its innovation, and is always adding exciting new ice-cream treats to its cabinet. From refreshing berry sorbet scoops, to decadent chocolate and caramel variations to a new Mint Chip that we’ve certainly got our eyes on, Duck Island’s ice creams offer an array of unique flavours. Although, if it’s something different you’re after, Duck Island also offers ice cream sandwiches (the Cookies & Cream is a particular favourite of ours) and ice cream sundaes, complete will all the tasty trimmings.
Miann
Locations: Ponsonby Central, Sandringham & Britomart
The Pistachio, Honey & Baklava flavour from Miann is a fragrant treat that sees candied pistachio praline and smashed baklava rippled through a pistachio-based gelato. Or, if you’re after something slightly more indulgent, the Sea Salt Caramel gelato loaded with caramel sauce and roasted walnuts is an utter showstopper.
Little Lato
Locations: Point Chevalier, Titirangi Rise, Kohimarama Beach & Takapuna
Taking nuttiness to a whole new level is Little Lato’s indulgent (and award-winning) Peanut Butter Chocolate flavour. It’s even dairy-free, so plant-based eaters can also enjoy a scoop or two. That said, Little Lato’s new flavour collaboration with Loaf NZ is a must-try this summer. This delectable flavour sees salted butterscotch gelato swirled with a salty caramel sauce and mixed with chunks of caramel slice (chocolate biscuit base, gooey caramel filling and solid chocolate). Otherwise, flavours like Lolly Slice, Mint Slice, Chocolate Orange, Strawberry Marshmallow, Roasted Strawberry Shortcake, Coconut Caramel Cashew, Yoghurt & Lemon Curd and Blackberry Gin & Basil Sorbet await you at this always-creative ice cream outlet.
Charlie’s Gelato
Location: 17 Sharp Road, Matakana
An absolute institution in Warkworth, Charlies Gelato is the perfect place to pick up a scoop or two before enjoying a stroll around Matakana. The Black Doris Plum Sorbetto is heavenly, but even better when paired with the best-selling Dark Chocolate. You’re welcome.
Island Gelato
Locations: Auckland CBD’s Ferry Building, Ponsonby, Newmarket, Waiheke Island and Mission Bay
There is a reason that Island Gelato has expanded well beyond its Waiheke Island beginnings — the flavours here are exceptional. In fact, Island Gelato took home 25 awards in last year’s Ice Cream and Gelato Awards, an acknowledgement of the creativity and quality at play with these clever purveyors. Here, find a raft of award-winning flavours like Sour Cherry & Darkest Chocolate, Pic’s Peanut Butter Caramel, Rhubarb sorbet, Whiskey Truffle, Woodland Berries, Coconut Latte, Plum & Coconut Pavlova, and so much more.
Giapo
Location: 12 Gore Street, Auckland CBD
Operating under the philosophy that ‘normal ice cream is boring’, Giapo is the place to go for something a little less ‘vanilla’. Here, from the cones to the flavours to the toppings, there is no limit to the ice cream makers’ creativity, making it hardly surprising that Giapo is frequently dubbed the best ice cream in Auckland. And while there are a number of showstopping scoops to choose from, the Coconut Chocolate Cookies and Cream is always a winner — so creamy you’d never know it was vegan.
Ben & Jerry’s
Locations: Commercial Bay, Ponsonby, Sylvia Park & more
One for the seasoned sugar fans who want to enjoy their scoops guilt-free, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolatey Love A-Fair flavour was inspired by Tony’s Chocolonely and saw the renowned ice cream purveyors join the chocolatiers’ mission to end modern slavery in cocoa farming. Featuring chocolate ice cream with salted caramel swirls, caramel chunks & sea salt chocolatey chunks made with traceable open-sourced cocoa from Tony’s Open Chain, indulging in creamy goodness has never felt so good.
Penguino
Location: 55 Clyde Rd, Browns Bay
Take a trip down memory lane at Browns Bay’s iconic gelato parlour, Penguino — renowned for its deliciously creamy, handmade scoops and tasty flavours that change daily. If you can get your hands on a scoop of the Cotton Candy or the Coconut Choc Chip, you’re in luck.
Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens
Location: 464 State Highway 16, Kumeu
Heading to Muriwai for a beach day? Stop off in Kumeu at Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens for real fruit ice creams and smoothies. Generously sized even if you order the smallest version, our favourite is always a frozen yoghurt, mixed berry combo.
Movenpick
Locations: Mission Bay, Ellerslie, Mount Eden, Newmarket, Parnell, Auckland CBD, Maraetai & Takapuna
Of course, summer in the City wouldn’t be the same without a walk along Mission Bay, finished off with a scoop from Movenpick. Our favourite would have to be the classic tiramisu in one of Movenpick’s renowned waffle cones. That said, there are Movenpick locations all around Auckland if you can’t make it out East.
Tsujiri
Locations: Lorne Street, Newmarket & Albany
Mad for matcha? Tsujiri has three locations in Auckland and undoubtedly serves the best matcha soft-serves in town. A niche but always very delicious option, very deserving of its place as one of the best ice cream spots in Auckland.
Takapuna Beach Cafe
Location: 22 The Promenade, Takapuna
During the long and hot days of summer, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the North Shore, especially when it includes a stroll along Takapuna Beach. This is only made better with a scoop (or two) of gelato from Takapuna Beach Cafe in hand — where you can find flavours like Cool Mint and Bittersweet Chocolate, Blood Orange, Chocolate Hazelnut and Honeycomb.
Ollies Burgers & Ice Cream
Location: 802 Manukau Road, Royal Oak
An iconic ice cream parlour that offers some of the most beloved, nostalgic Tip Top scoops around, Ollies Burgers & Ice Cream in Royal Oak has been running for 50 years and is still a firm favourite among those looking for a satiating scoop. Proving that you can’t beat the classics, this recognisable corner spot is a summertime must-visit.
