Looking for the best ice cream in Christchurch? Kate, from @christchurchwithkids, has done the hard work and found the top spots serving everything from real fruit ice cream to indulgent treats!
Kids love ice cream. Parents love ice cream. Or sometimes coffee. Lucky for us, Christchurch has plenty of ice cream spots that deliver on both fronts. Whether you’re after real fruit ice cream, classic gelato or something a little bit extra (like maybe an entire chocolate brownie under your ice cream), there’s a spot for every ice cream lover in town. Please enjoy my seriously serious research on where in Christchurch to get your next scoop…
Read more: Christchurch’s Most Fun and Unusual Places to Eat with Kids
The best ice cream in Christchurch:
Rollickin Gelato (CBD)
If you’ve lived in Christchurch for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard of Rollickin Gelato. It’s so popular, that they have two locations in town. The flavours here are fun, playful, and ridiculously good, with seasonal themes and names that will make you lol (politician puns anyone?). There are also vegan options, which is a bonus for the non-dairy folks. But it’s not just ice cream – this place is an ice cream restaurant, complete with hot cookies, brownies and plenty of seating to sit and indulge. My favourite location? New Regent Street. It’s halfway between the huge central library and Margaret Mahy Playground, making it the ultimate bribe/reward combo for a day out with the kids.
Why it’s great for families: Fun vibes, huge scoops, indoor seating for rainy days.
Fuse Real Fruit Ice Cream (Cashmere)
Real fruit ice cream, but make it fancy. At Fuse, you can choose between yoghurt or ice cream, then level it up with chocolate drizzle or (and this is genius) a wedge of Black Forest chocolate slice stuck into your ice cream. Bonus? It’s right across the road from a gated playground, so you can let the kids run wild while you enjoy your cone in peace.
Why it’s great for families: Playground nearby, amazing toppings and big servings.
Riverlution (Richmond)
This one’s a little different, it’s real fruit ice cream with a (literal) twist. The fruit? Grown in the surrounding community gardens! When I tried it, it was plum, meaning you’ll get swirls of ice cream mixed with real fruit that’s as local as it can get. Because it’s seasonal, get it while you can! The setting is super cute, with plenty of space for kids to run around and explore, plus one of Christchurch’s newest playgrounds, Avebury Park, is right next door.
Why it’s great for families: Unique, community-grown fruit, plus a playground next door.
Utopia Ice (Sumner)
This isn’t just any ice cream shop -it’s next-level artisan ice cream, featuring some of the most unique flavours you’ll find in Christchurch. The outdoor courtyard is a dream – shaded seating, toys for kids, and just a short walk from Sumner Beach. Perfect for a post-sandcastle treat.
Why it’s great for families: Gorgeous setting, unique flavours, and toys to keep the kids happy.
Airstream Ice Cream (next to the Botanic Gardens)
This very cool silver ice cream trailer serves up real fruit ice cream in heaps of flavours – perfect for grabbing a cone before a walk through the gardens. And if you need a caffeine hit, they also do the best takeaway coffee and scrumptious bagels. Ideal summer outing material.
Why it’s great for families: Right by the gardens for a picnic or a wander, real fruit options and coffee for parents.
Frances Nation Café (Arts Centre)
For quintessential Christchurch vibes, this real fruit ice cream spot inside the Arts Centre is hard to beat. They keep it simple, with a few classic berry flavours, but the setting makes it extra special. After your ice cream, you can wander through the Arts Centre, explore the Art Gallery (just across the road), or grab a coffee from the café itself.
Why it’s great for families: Stunning setting, artsy day out, and a beautiful outdoor space.
Read more: Your Family-Friendly Guide to The Arts Centre in Christchurch
Gelato Dolce (Arts Centre & Markets)
If Italian-style gelato is your thing, Gelato Dolce is a must. You’ll usually find their food truck outside the Arts Centre or at markets around the city (so check their socials before heading out). The taste? Chef’s kiss. Think creamy, rich and authentically Italian. I’ve spotted them at the Ohoka markets too, with their recognisable red and white cart!
Why it’s great for families: On-the-run fun, great flavours and a true gelato experience.
Gelato & Tea (Riverside Market)
Located inside Riverside Market, this is the ultimate post-lunch dessert spot. They have so many gelato flavours that the kids will struggle to choose (which, let’s be honest, is part of the fun). After grabbing a scoop, you can sit outside under the trees and enjoy the city vibes, or head upstairs to the play nook inside Riverside.
Why it’s great for families: Easy outing, loads of flavour choices, and a play space nearby.
Hunger & Thirst Mobile (Corsair Bay)
Corsair Bay is one of Christchurch’s most stunning little beaches, but with no cafés nearby, it’s a game-changer having a real fruit ice cream truck right in the carpark. It’s the perfect morning or afternoon outing – let the kids play at the small playground, explore the bay, and then walk it off on the gorgeous track between Corsair and Cass Bays.
Why it’s great for families: Beautiful beach, playground, ice cream – what more do you need?
Which one’s your go-to? Did I miss any? Let me know your favourite ice cream spot in Christchurch!
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Image #1 credited to Rollickin, image #8 credited to Gelato + Tea, all other images credited to @christchurchwithkids
