From nostalgic notes to new flavours, Nikki Birrell looks at what’s in the freezer these holidays.
New Zealand’s love for ice cream is legendary. Kiwis consume a staggering 28 litres per person annually – the highest in the world.
As summer settles in, ice cream brands have rolled out an impressive range of new offerings that promise to satisfy every craving, from nostalgic classics to bold, unexpected combinations.
Whether you’re grabbing a tub at the supermarket or seeking something a little more artisanal, there’s no shortage of ways to cool down this summer.
Supermarket highlights
Tip Top, a longstanding favourite, introduced a new take on the beloved Trumpet.
The Strawberry Shake variety is a creamy strawberry ice cream with a swirl of raspberry ripple, all tucked into a crunchy cone and topped with a layer of chocolate sprinkles.
It’s a flavour that’s sure to bring back fond memories for many, while the Tip Top Moments range introduces five new frozen dessert options.
The new Tip Top Crave Toffee Crunch, with its indulgent caramel ice cream and crunchy toffee brittle, is another offering that promises to be a summer hit.
Premium ice cream brand Kapiti is also making waves with an expanded range of its popular Passionfruit and Kamahi Honey flavour, now available in larger 1-litre formats, alongside a new Cookies & Cream offering in convenient six-packs.
Lewis Road Creamery, known for its luxurious, premium ice cream, adds to its range with the Rocky Delight flavour. Combining rich chocolate, butter crumb shortbread, nutty notes, and a ribbon of marshmallow, this treat has been creating quite a buzz. It’s available in 470ml tubs at supermarkets, offering an accessible luxury for ice cream aficionados.
For those in Auckland, Lewis Road Creamery is taking the celebration of ice cream to new heights, quite literally. The very first Lewis Road Creamery Ice Creamery officially opened on the 53rd floor of Auckland’s Sky Tower.
The boutique scene
While supermarket offerings are impressive, the boutique ice cream scene is where some of the most exciting flavour innovations are happening this summer.
Little ‘Lato, a brand that has built a reputation for its bold flavour pairings, has just launched three new pints (455ml) into Farro Fresh and Moore Wilson stores.
Biscoff Cookie Dough (vegan) is plant-based in collaboration with The Vegan Treatory, a Biscoff gelato loaded up with Biscoff cookie dough; Lolly Slice is a collaboration with Make A Wish NZ, part of a fundraising campaign to add a little joy for sick Kiwi kids this summer (money from every pint sold will be contributed, plus there is opportunity for customers to donate into the fund campaign using the QR code on the tub); and Sour Cream, Lemon & Berries, just awarded NZ’s Best Gelato, with the creamy tartness of sour cream, the bright burst of freshly zested lemon and the juicy sweetness of freshly blitzed berries.
These can also be found around a range of boutique grocers and delis throughout the country.
Duck Island, another boutique favourite, is offering seasonal delights such as Ricotta & Blackberries, with pistachios and meringue swirled into a rich, creamy base.
Their limited-edition festive Cherry Coconut Chip and Brandy Snap flavours bring a nostalgic nod to Christmas flavours, while Fresh Mint Chip will soon replace their popular Orange Blossom Chocolate Chip for a fresh take on a classic.
Duck Island’s limited-edition scoops are always worth seeking out, and their collaborations with local ingredients make each flavour feel truly unique.
Trends shaping the season
Beyond the classics, innovation is thriving.
Little ‘Lato’s “weird and wacky” creations, like Peanut Butter Kimchi and Cheese & Cracker, showcase a growing consumer appetite for unique experiences.
Meanwhile, the demand for plant-based treats remains steady, with vegan options like Little ‘Lato’s Mango Lassi and Raspberry Lamington proving that plant-based ice creams can rival their dairy counterparts in both creaminess and flavour depth.
Sustainability and giving back are also at the top of many brands’ minds.
This summer, ice cream is more than just a treat – it’s an experience. From supermarkets to boutique scoop shops, the flavours on offer are as diverse as the tastes of New Zealanders.
Whether you’re reaching for a tried-and-true or trying something new, there’s no better way to enjoy the sun than with a spoonful of something indulgent.
Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years. From managing your kitchen to cutting costs, she’s shared some helpful advice recently, including alcohol-free drinks to try this summer and how to choose the right ice for your chilly bin.