Five of the best: Gelaterias

Valentino's Gelato. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Valentino's Gelato

99 Quay St, City, ph (09) 358 0091
Valentino's gelati have won medals at the national icecream awards. Try the best in category yoghurt and lemon curd or gold and silver medal-winning classics, caramel, yoghurt, chocolate or vanilla.

Takapuna Beach Cafe

22 The Promenade, Takapuna, ph (09) 282 002
Sit on the rock walls admiring Rangitoto and slurp on last year's gold medal winners (mango or raspberry sorbet), butterscotch fudge or vanilla custard and rhubarb compote.

Giapo Genuine Italian Gelato

279-281 Queen St, City, ph (09) 550 3677
This gelato shop modestly bills itself as the best in the world. It sure attracts the pre- and post-theatre crowds, and staff are happy for you to sample until you find perfection.

Charlies Gelato Garden

17 Sharp Rd, Matakana
Attached to the vineyard and strawberry garden, Charlies Gelato is made in small batches on the premises using seasonal fruit, with more than 30 flavours.

Bennett's Remo's Gelateria

52 Moir St, Mangawhai, ph (09) 431 5151
Set in the pretty courtyard of Bennett's Chocolates, top sellers are fig and honey, fragola and gingernut, and the prizewinning coconut lime and mascarpone.