Ice cream is definitely one of those foods that clearly signposts sunshine here in New Zealand - along with other favourites…. tomatoes, courgettes, stonefruit... It sure screams sunshine, especially when it’s warm around here, right now.

Of course we need no excuse to have one, even a smidge of heat brings on that in need of ice cream feeling. And that's the essence of it - when it's warm, you need it as much as you want it.

An excellent New Zealand made ice cream is the perfect end (or middle…. or start…) to the day!

Ice cream and gelato all over

New Zealand’s outstanding artisan ice cream and gelato vendors are now in full flight around the country. We are very lucky to have so many, making so many amazing seasonal flavours.

To a traveller’s great delight, as well as for all of us locals, you’ll find ice cream and gelato makers offering a tremendous range of frozen delights, in regions right through the country. They’re located centre city, at the beach, and on many roads in between.

We love seasonal ice cream, and the range of flavours out there now. Here’s an ice cream story we wrote a wee while ago. You’ll read all about the ice cream and gelato distinction… as well as the cone, and the (yes, scientifically proven) brain freeze….

And, with all that ice cream making, there’s sure to be a place to visit, not too far from your favourite spot.

DIY ice cream

Making proper traditional ice cream can be quite involved. So for that, there is nothing like finding a great local food producer who happily does it for you. But, if you’d like a go yourself, here's a super easy blueberry ice cream version. You do need a blender or food processor, but not an ice cream machine.

And special ice cream experiences

Whatever you do though, don’t forget those special ice cream experiences, out and about.

On our food trail guides app you’ll find the trail of tremendous ice cream stores that The FoodPath NZ has visited so far - and yes, you can go and visit them too! We hope you get a chance to pop in to see some of them on your travels, and appreciate their fantastic offerings - try a new flavour and see what you think!

Wishing you happy outings, out and about making terrific memories, with a classic kiwi ice cream experience to cap it all off too….