Tasty, delicious, meltable, and creamy gelato to satisfy your cravings might not be easy to come by in Christchurch. That is why we have gone through the task of collating three gelato spots so that you can have a routine scoop.

The Italian word for ice cream is gelato. People use both words interchangeably, but they are slightly different. They are different in the proportions of milk, sugar, and cream. Gelato contains more milk, less cream, and less air. Also, gelato mostly does not contain eggs.

The gelato shops listed here produce superior gelato and keep you wanting more.

Stay with us.

Extra: Every year, research shows New Zealand has the largest consumers of ice cream per capita in the world

Best Gelato Shops to Visit in Christchurch

#1:- Utopia Ice Sumner

• Location: 15 Wakefield Avenue, Sumner
• Operating Time: Opens 11 am – Weekends; noon – Weekdays, and Closes 9.30 pm daily

Are you craving gelato to scoop during this hot summer? If yes, check out Utopia Ice. They produce quality gelato better than many other Christchurch gelato stalks and have a wide range of ever-changing gelato flavour scoops.

The shop stands out for consistently producing fresh and healthy handmade ice cream. German couple Sebastian Koburg and Mandy Klapschuweit are the owners. They partner with local farmers and producers to get the best local flavours and healthy organic ingredients to make smooth, creamy, and delicious gelato for you to scoop.

You might be contemplating which flavour you should pick on your arrival – we recommend you try out their black sesame, tiramisu, or chocolate gelato flavours. They also have dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free gelato options. Alongside the gelato, you can try a hot waffle.

They also have sorbets and ice cream available if you crave them. If you want to try something new, you can also check the chalkboard present in front of the stall for new flavours to try.

Their menu items are not limited to ice cream. Visitors can also enjoy freshly made waffles with several topping options including coconut pepper, hazelnuts, bananas, and vegan chocolate sauce.

For those who want to try something hot after spending time on the beach, a varied range of hot beverages are available at the shop, including thick hot chocolate and coffee to warm you up. One of the key features is the gluten-free waffle cone, as well as a variety of vegan options, ensuring even those with allergies and dietary restrictions are also served.

The place is wheelchair accessible and kid-friendly, with many toys for kids to play with. It has a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.8/5 on Google. Gelato lovers can drive down to the location. It’s a 17-minute drive via Linwood Avenue and the main road. Sumner Beach Bar Restaurant is just next to Utopia and close to the beach. You can hop in for some more chilling and relaxing time.

Comments of Other Gelato Lovers About This Spot

• Best gelato in town with a wide variety of flavours at fair prices.
• Beautiful courtyard with charming decor and lovely outdoor seating under a grapevine canopy
• It can get busy, so expect a queue, and seating may be limited during peak hours.
• Super friendly staff and free parking are available.

Check out their website.

Extra: Utopia Ice had its humble beginnings at the Christchurch Farmers’ Market before growing into the popular frozen dessert vendor they are now.

#2:- The Gelato Lab

• Location: 5/132 Opawa Road, Opawa
• Operating Time: Open 11 am daily; Closes 7:30 pm Friday – Sunday; 5:30 pm on other days. Time changes; check the Facebook page for the latest update.

Give your taste buds a chilling and delicious treat at the sensational gelato lab. The interesting thing about the lab is that Pippa Scott, the owner, and Martina, an Italian woman with a gelato bloodline, experiment and regularly bring out different creative and unique flavours that give you that adventure.

You also join the experiment when you arrive at the lab by scooping your smooth and silk gelato with a metal spatula instead of the usual round scoop. You could probably end the experiment by making an inference about what it tastes like.

The gelato is made without additives or chemicals but with fresh and natural ingredients, sometimes local ingredients. Their gelato options include at least four dairy-free options. You can try out their chocolate ginger flavour or saffron rose-flavoured gelato with waffles; such a superb gastronomic experience.

The gelato lab is an in-store takeaway stall; however, they still have a few seats in front of the store where you can sit to scoop down the chilling dessert. They also have the kids’ cones, which you buy for the kids.

To have this experience, you need to get down to their location, just like many people in Christchurch do. From the CBD, the gelato lab is just an 8-minute drive via Opawa Road, which might be a better option than Utopia in terms of distance. You will likely meet a queue at this 4.9/5-rated gelato stall, but it is worth it. You can also conveniently park around the corner on Hawford Road.

Comments of Other Gelato Lovers About This Spot

• Super friendly staff and customer service
• Superb authentic flavour selections and well-priced compared to other local gelato stores.
• Best gelato outside of Italy!

Extra: Piipa, who had her PhD in Europe learning science, fell in love with the Italian gelato. Her passion for science and gelato brought about the lab, evidenced by the elements hung on the walls and the laboratory equipment there to experiment with the flavours.

Check out their Facebook Page.

#3:- Helado – Gelato & Coffee Garden

• Location: 5/49 Tennyson Street, Rolleston
• Operating Time: Open 10 am – 8 pm: Sunday – Tuesday and 8:30 am – 9 pm: Other days

If you love tasty gelato, you might want to take an adventure drive to Selwyn district, where Helado is located. Sometimes, in 2022, three gelato lovers, Cata Miguens an Argentine, and Latin American Valentina Marquez and Samuel Diaz, who grew up loving gelato, opened the Helado gelato cafe.

Since then, the trio has elevated gelato serving in the Selewn district, greater Christchurch, to another level. Up to 30 flavours, including vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, are available. The trio sources its flavours locally and changes the flavours it prepares seasonally so you won’t be bored.

All their gelato is made in-house, and you can sit and slurp down the dessert, take it away, or order it on Doordash. They are a 22-minute drive away from Christchurch CBD via state Highway 76.

You can also take public transport lines 5, 820, or 85 to the shop. It has a pleasant atmosphere, and Helado offers gelato classes during the holidays if you want to learn or keep your kids busy. The shop is wheelchair accessible.

Extra: Helado is named after the Spanish word for gelato.

Comments of Other Gelato Lovers About This Spot

• Fantastic gelato spot with a wide variety of yummy flavours and a smooth texture
• Great interior design and well furnish shop with a great selection of songs, plants
• The place has this chilling vibe, and the swings as seats are especially fun!
• Good toys and amazing colourful drawings make it suitable for toddlers. The outside is great for staying with your pets.

Check out their Facebook Page.

Wrap Up

Here you go! You can ride to any of these listed gelato shops for a tasty, chilled scoop of gelato. Remember that they have dietary options, too. Share your experience with us thereafter via the comment section.