The Best Ice Creams in Nelson Tasman
Posted on Monday 25 September 2023
With the temperatures creeping up and day stretching out, it's time to start thinking about what the warmer weather can bring (namely, ice cream). From Golden Bay to Nelson, we’ve collated an account of frozen goodness in cones scattered about our region that boost our moods and put us in the mindset of warmer, longer days.
The Wholemeal Café
Combining wholesome food, quality coffee, a unique collection of art and a blend of many different cultures and characters, The Wholemeal Café sits proudly on Takaka's main street. Starting September 23rd, they serve real-fruit ice cream from their adjoining shop.
60 Commercial Street, Takaka
On the Spot Kaiteriteri
A convenience store with a difference, namely that it's right on Kaiteriteri's famous beach stretch and serves real-fruit ice cream, gelato and other frozen treats, all year round.Open Monday – Sunday.
3 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road
Thomas Bros Cherry and Real Fruit Ice Cream Stall
Famous for their cherries, Thomas Bros serves real-fruit ice cream (featuring the famous cherries) from November through to March.Main Road Riwaka (opposite Hop Federation Brewery)
Located in Motueka, as the name suggests, and proudly producing award-winning ice cream inspired by what the region has to offer. Try the Mt. Arthur Snowfall Vanilla which took home a gold medal at the 2023 NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards.
By the tub in various supermarkets
You simply can't return from the Abel Tasman and its surrounding beaches without stopping for a TOAD Hall treat on your way back to Nelson. They serve real-fruit ice cream, gelato, sorbet, coconut ice cream and charcoal Ice cream, to name a few.
Open Monday – Sunday.
502 High Street South, Motueka
Located at the famous Mapua Wharf, Hamish's serves real-fruit ice cream, scoop cones, Appleby Farms ice cream and more from their café window. Best enjoyed from their outdoor tables with a view of the sea.
Open Wednesday – Sunday.
Māpua Wharf, 1 Aranui Road
Not only do Appleby Farms make their own ice cream from their creamery in Stoke, but they also own the paddocks, grow the grass, nurture their cows and churn their milk to make their ice cream and frozen yoghurt. Try their Strawberries & Cream Ice Cream which won a gold medal at the 2023 NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards.
By the tub in various supermarkets and at Hamish's
Located amongst the new-build of The Meadows, Alioke offers a handy place to grab a real-fruit ice cream if you're in Richmond. The bright and open dining space and playground-facing outdoor area also make for a scenic rest spot to relax and enjoy your frozen treat.
Open Monday – Sunday.
4A Central Park Lane, Appleby
Open Saturday – Sunday, 11am – 4.30pm.
151 McShane Road, Appleby
Get Real Fruit Ice Cream Cart
Top off a day at Tāhunanui beach with a real-fruit ice cream from the ice cream truck. Located between a sports field and the sea, this coffee/ice cream cart is great for people on the go with dogs and/or small children.
Open Tuesday – Sunday.
Bisley Ave, Tāhunanui Drive, Tāhunanui.
Penguino Ice Cream Café
A Nelson city classic, serving ice cream, gelato and sorbet made onsite with passion. A perfect treat whilst in the city during the week or at Nelson's Saturday market. Try one of their more experimental flavours like Mango & Chilli Flakes Sorbet, which took home a silver medal at the 2023 NZ Icecream & Gelato awards.Open Monday – Sunday.
85 Montgomery Square, Nelson
Open Monday – Sunday.
166 hardy street, Nelson
Dairies
Nelson Tasman's corner stores hold their own in the ice cream game. Many do scoop ice cream by Tip Top in classic flavours such as Hokey Pokey, Goody Goody Gum Drops and classic Vanilla.Throughout the region
