I’ve never seen Giapo without a line leading out the door, or a room full of people ordering their ice cream.

I’ve got fond memories of coming here when I was in high school. It seemed like the “it” thing to do at the weekend. I remember lining up with my girlfriends, my pockets full of cash from my first “big girl” job. I’d give anything for one more day of being 16!

Mathew took me here on our first date (over 6 years ago!), and when I was a waitress in Takapuna, the kitchen, bar, and wait staff used to come now and again after a particularly busy shift.

Where possible, their gelato is made using organic, locally-sourced ingredients, and a lot of their flavours are unique twists on the classics, covered in chocolate, nuts and other delicious bits and bobs. However, they’re most famous for the ridiculous chocolate sculptures they make. They have their classic squid sculpture, photo frames and even the Sky Tower! I personally think this is a bit of an “Instagram photo opportunity” rather than a practical addition to your ice cream. But hey, when in Rome, right?

If you haven’t been, I’d highly recommend visiting if you have a massive sweet tooth and love ice cream as much as I do.