You Should Always Leave Room For Ice Cream
Snow's on it's way, so grab a cold ice-cream in cold Queenstown
Our calendar tells us that winter is over and spring is now officially here... but mother nature seems to have other plans for us this coming week, with snow forecast down to Queenstown. As such ice cream probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind on a snowy day in Queenstown. But we’d like you to reconsider! For a small town, Queenstown offers some big players in the ice cream stakes. No matter the weather, we invite you to experience these four very impressive Queenstown ice cream shops.
Ice Cream in Queenstown
The four main contenders on the Queenstown gelato scene are Patagonia, Mrs Ferg, Movenpick and Giovi - here’s why we love them so.
It all began with Patagonia. In 2005, two Argentinian ex-pats were missing the exquisite chocolate of their homeland so much they decided to start making it themselves. They opened their first Patagonia store in Arrowtown and it wasn’t long before locals were in love with the handcrafted artisan chocolate and devilishly rich hot chocolates.
A Queenstown store came next, followed by ice cream production in 2007. The rest, as they say, is history. Chocolate lovers can now get their Patagonia fix from a choice of five different outlets in Arrowtown, Queenstown, Wanaka and Queenstown Airport
Meanwhile, another food outlet with a cult-like following decided to branch out into ice cream. You’ll know the Ferg team from their famous Fergburger outlet and its eternally long queue snaking its way along Shotover Street. From the wonderful minds that brought us the best burgers in the business, Mrs Ferg opened in 2014 serving up seriously good gelato and sorbet.
Mrs. Ferg
Follow the ridiculously long queue outside Fergburger and you’ll find Mrs Ferg. With a deep timber fit-out, customers are greeted with a Willy Wonka land of gelato and sorbet choices piled high behind the cabinet. The selection is nothing less than impressive. You can expect the classics like vanilla, strawberry or rum and raisin but don’t be afraid to try something unique. At Mrs Ferg, the ice cream makers have let their imaginations run wild, and you can find delights like Apple Pie, Salted Caramel, Coconut, Lemon Meringue, Peanut Butter and Banana Jam or Gingerbread. The friendly (and well-dressed) staff are more than happy to oblige you with a tasting spoon so that you can try before you buy.
Mrs Ferg also offers a wonderful selection of smoothies, coffee and hot chocolate. Expect friendly staff, generous sampling and a range of ice creams that will require repeat visits.
Patagonia
When you take chocolate as seriously as the Patagonia team do, it’s hard to go wrong. You will find a Patagonia store on Beech Street and Rees Street in central Queenstown. Both enviable locations overlook the water and all the excitement of downtown. There are plenty of sweet treats on offer at Patagonia including ice cream in a cone, ice cream on a stick, artisan chocolate bars or their famous and richly decadent desserts. They also roast coffee beans and the hot chocolate will warm you to the core on a cold day.
The South American flavour shines through in many of the ice cream offerings, particularly the hand-crafted chocolates such as the Alfajors, which is a layer of chocolate mousse sandwiched between two cookies and covered with a layer of smooth milk chocolate.
There is, of course, chocolate ice cream on the menu but if you want to be brave why not try some of their innovative flavours like Marscapone Cheese and Fruits of the Forest, Dulce de leche or Patagonia White Chocolate and hazelnuts.
Patagonia continually wins awards for its gelato creations. Patagonia offers plenty of tables if you want to sit down and enjoy your sweet indulgence.
Whichever ice cream outlet you choose, there are no losers! In fact, we highly recommend a few visits to each of these Queenstown institutions to experience the pleasure of perfectly made ice cream.
Movenpick
While Movenpick was born in Switzerland, local Queenstowners have certainly put a creative kiwi slant on this world wide best seller. As they say, their ice creams are crafted 'with the alpine spirit'! We seriously recommend trying the Passionfruit and Mango - a kiwi favourite, or the Chocolate and Coconut. Centrally located on Beach Street, opposite Ernslaw Park, they have a beautiful shop in a great locations with on e of the best views in town - all adding to the exceptional ice cream experience!
Giovi - Pizza, Pasta and Gelato
For a taste of authentic Italian gelato, head to Giovi in Remarkables Park for the quintessential taste of Italy. Not much to say here except - exceptional! Really really good ice cream and worth the visit. We can't recommend a flavour, as is always the case with great ice creams - their flavours change weekly. It's a matter of turning up for a surprise and delight moment!