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Sweets
24 March 2025
The best ice cream spots in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Craving ice cream? Explore Christchurch's top gelato shops and ice cream parlours from CBD to Sumner. Vegan, dairy-free & classic options included.
Where to find the best ice cream and gelato in Christchurch?
A Kiwi summer isn't complete without delicious ice cream, and Ōtautahi Christchurch has an incredible selection of gelato shops, ice cream parlours, and artisan makers serving up frozen treats that keep locals and visitors refreshed and satisfied!
What's the most well-known gelato in Christchurch? Rollickin Gelato
With three locations across Christchurch – New Regent Street, Cashel Street, and now Riccarton – you can't miss these bright spots. Made from local organic milk, Rollickin creates delicious gelato and sorbet with gluten, dairy, egg, and soy-free options. Expect inventive flavours packed with cake chunks, berry sauces, chocolate dollops, and hokey pokey pieces, plus an incredible hot dessert range. Pop in to soak up the groovy vibes and enjoy treats until 11 pm on weekends.
Good for:
- Late-night dessert dates in the CBD
- Gluten, dairy, egg, and soy-free options
- Creative flavour combinations with mix-ins
- Free tastings before you commit
- Hot desserts paired with ice cream
What's the best traditional Italian gelato in Christchurch? Paleta Gelateria
At Paleta Gelateria at Little High Eatery, artisan gelato and sorbet are made in small batches using authentic Italian techniques and high-quality natural ingredients. Each flavour is carefully balanced, from timeless classics like pistachio to inventive seasonal creations.
Beyond gelato, Paleta also serves exceptional coffee, desserts, and full Basque cheesecakes. Their commitment to authenticity and quality has earned them recognition as one of Christchurch's best gelato spots.
Good for:
- Authentic Italian gelato craftsmanship
- Small-batch, handcrafted daily
- Basque cheesecakes
- Quality coffee alongside your gelato
Has Duck Island Ice Cream opened in Christchurch?
New Zealand's favourite Duck Island Ice Cream opened its first South Island store in Christchurch in October 2025 at the corner of Tuam and High Streets. With up to 24 flavours available, including vegan and allergy-friendly options, Duck Island serves up creative combinations like Fairy Bread, Toasted Marshmallow, and Peanut Butter Cookie Dough. Their take-home freezer stocks both pints and ice cream sandwiches, so you can never run out.
Good for:
- Bold, inventive flavour combinations
- Vegan and allergy-friendly options
- Late-night treats (open until 11:30 pm Thursday -Saturday)
- Take-home pints and ice cream sandwiches
Is there a Ben & Jerry's store in Christchurch?
Indulge in a scoop (or three) at the only Ben & Jerry's shop in the South Island (beside Riverside Market). Renowned for their creative and cleverly named flavours, including 'Phish Food' (containing actual chocolate fish) and 'Chunky Monkey' (we'll let you guess that one), Ben & Jerry's is a reliable ice cream option that will keep everyone happy. Located in the centre of the CBD, it's a great option to stay cool when exploring the city during sunny days or balmy evenings!
Good for:
- International brand favourites
- Delicious ice cream sundaes
- The only South Island Ben & Jerry's location
Where can you find gelato outside the CBD? The Gelato Lab
The Gelato Lab in Opawa uses traditional Italian methods to make their beautiful artisan gelato. Their gelato is blended from scratch by their Italian gelato chef with flavours such as fresh mint and white chocolate, gingernut, and Italian sour cherry. On weekends, they even have an entire dairy-free cabinet filled with 9 different flavours of dairy-free treats!
Good for:
- Opawa locals and those who don't want to travel to the city
- Those with dairy allergies
- Intense and interesting flavour combinations
Where can you get ice cream at The Arts Centre? Gelato Dolce
During the warmer months, Gelato Dolce has its cute red cart parked outside The Arts Centre and you'll often find them at the Ohoka Farmers' Market. Their gourmet gelato and sorbet are handcrafted with locally sourced and Italian ingredients. They often create new flavours, but their must-try is the 'Stracciatella,' vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips, a real Italian classic.
Good for:
- Post-Arts Centre exploration treats
- Authentic Italian Stracciatella
- Mobile cart convenience
- Handcrafted with Italian ingredients
Where can I get good, old-fashioned vanilla ice cream? Ice Cream Charlie
One of New Zealand's ice cream pioneers started his business in Christchurch. In 1903, Sali Mahomet aka Ice Cream Charlie set up his cart in Cathedral Square and sold ice cream for the first time. Ice Cream Charlie has since passed on, but his legacy remains. Ice Cream Charlie's recipes are still used today and every summer you'll find his vanilla truck parked in Victoria Square.
Good for:
- Historic Christchurch ice cream experience
- Traditional vanilla ice cream, done well
- Nostalgic summer treat
Where's the best place to get a real fruit ice cream in Christchurch? Fuse Real Fruit Ice Cream
Fuse is a real fruit ice cream trailer positioned opposite the playground at Cashmere Road. They offer a wide range of fruits to choose from, or if you're into trying new things, then the 'Real Nut' ice creams are a must! What could be better than a blend of peanut butter or Nutella with ice cream or frozen yogurt, yum! Fuse also makes a range of ice cream sauces onsite, white, milk and dark chocolate, just to name a few.
Good for:
- Families visiting the playground
- Real fruit ice cream options
- Peanut butter and Nutella blends
- Homemade sauces (white, milk, dark chocolate)
- Summer food truck experience
What's the best ice cream shop in Sumner? Utopia Ice
Utopia Ice started with a small ice cream cart at the Christchurch Farmers' Market and has since expanded into the popular store it is now in Sumner. It's here that local couple, Mandy and Sebastian, handmake their French-style artisan ice cream, which is truly decadent. They also specialise in plant-based ice cream, perfect for our vegan friends!
Good for:
- French artisan custard-style ice cream
- Half the menu is plant-based/dairy-free
- Sumner beachside location
- Community-minded with local ingredients
Redcliffs Dairy
If you're after a Kiwi classic, then head to Redcliffs Dairy, a popular spot with people from all over Christchurch. They sell scoop ice creams in a variety of flavours, but it's their generous portion sizes that keep people coming back. Make sure to check them out on your hunt for ice cream over the summer.
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