Explore Christchurch Scoop by Scoop
It wouldn't be a real Kiwi summer without great ice cream! Luckily in Christchurch, it's pretty easy to get your ice cream cravings sorted! Here are our top picks.
Rollickin' Gelato
Rollickin' Gelato's super creamy whip, from local organic milk, creates delicious sorbets catering to all dietary needs. Those that are gluten, dairy, egg & soy free can find safe and delicious options here. Rollickin' is constantly coming up with new flavour creations, full of cake chunks, berry sauces, chocolate dollops, marshmallow fluff, hokey pokey pieces and more. Their gelato and sorbets are a match made in heaven to their hot desserts: like their chocolate Gerry brownie which is full of swirled caramel. Rollickin' provide free tastes, has groovy music to enjoy as you eat your treats, and are open late evenings. Their 2 locations are definitely a must visit!
Ben & Jerry's
Indulge in a scoop or three at the only Ben & Jerry's store in the South Island. Renowned for their creative and cleverly named flavours including Phish Food (containing actual chocolate fish), Chunky Monkey and The Tonight Dough Jimmy Fallon - it's the place to stay cool when exploring the CBD.
Utopia Ice
Utopia Ice started with a little stall at the Christchurch Farmers Market and a pop-up kiosk in Sumner. Now located in the city, the couple sells French-style ice cream and has specialised in plant-based ice cream - perfect for vegans.
Ice Cream Charlie Vanilla Ice
One of New Zealand 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.
Fuse
Fuse is a real fruit ice cream trailer positioned opposite the playground at Cashmere Road. If you're in to 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 make a range of ice cream sauces onsite - white, milk and dark chocolate just to name a few. Find out more on their Facebook page.
The Gelato Lab
The Gelato Lab in Opawa uses traditional Italian methods to make their beautiful artisan gelato. 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 now even have an entire dairy free cabinet filled with 9 different flavours of dairy free treats!
Gelato Dolce
During the warmer months, Gelato Dolce has its cute red cart parked at Cathedral Square for the Friday Street Food Market. The ice cream is handcrafted with locally sourced and Italian ingredients. The team prepares sorbets (water-based) and dairy ice cream. Our must-try is "Stracciatella", vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips - a real Italian classic.
Cathedral Square (and at various summer festivals in Christchurch city)
Berry Healthy Real Fruit Ice Cream and Yoghurt
If you are looking for a healthier alternative, check out Berry Healthy. Apart from real ice cream, they sell frozen yoghurt as well. It is very refreshing and you will feel less guilty.
We are loving your feedback on this list of popular ice cream spots around Christchurch and want to make a special shoutout to Redcliffs Dairy who have been mentioned several times for their very generous scoop sizes. Make sure to check them out on your hunt for ice cream over the summer.