Skip dinner and go straight to dessert. From luxurious hot chocolates to handcrafted gelato, Christchurch sweet treats are as good as can be! You can plan a whole visit to Christchurch around these 8 dessert spots. From fine pastries to indulgent sweet crepes, these desserts will leave you wanting more. Traditional flavour combinations are paired with new and personalised twists, to bring some of the best dessert spots to this South Island city. Get ready to change those dinner plans to dessert dates!
1. Rollickin Gelato
Rollickin are the absolute go-to for a scrumptious dessert in Christchurch. It’s all about the gelato here, and they are well known for their outrageously wonderful desserts sporting names that are a clear nod to some notable kiwi’s. Their organic milk gelato is made fresh everyday. Looking for vegan desserts in Christchurch? Rollickin have you covered with their real fruit sorbet. They even create ‘make at home’ dessert boxes so the fun can continue well after they close for the night.
Their forever changing gelato flavours will keep your taste buds ticking. Check out some of their ‘Latest Licks’ here!
2. Strawberry Fare
Strawberry Fare, Christchurch is as much of a dessert destination as it is a dinner destination. Isn’t that a phenomenal thing! Late night dessert dates at Stawberry Fare will make any good day great. Their creme brulee is a local favourite, and their warm caramel and hazelnut torte is a thing of beauty. We recommend allocating extra time in Christchurch so you can visit Strawberry Fare and navigate their dessert menu more than once.
3. Sweet Soul Patisserie
When going out for dessert becomes a refined and completely acceptable experience. Sweet Soul Patisserie is a delightful shop in the heart of Christchurch city, with beautifully crafted cakes, tarts and pastries. These sweet morsels are more like artwork than anything else. A fine experience that should be at the tip top of your to-do in Christchurch list.
4. She Chocolaterie
If you like to drink your chocolate, She Chocolaterie hot chocolates will hit the spot. She Chocolaterie is the ultimate haven for chocolate lovers, serving up chocolate drinks and handmade chocolates. Nestled in the fantastic Christchurch Riverside Market, She Chocolaterie is your day time desserts destinations. All their chocolates are gluten free, crafted with care and perfectly decadent. Grab some cacao goodies takeaway and you’ve got a great gift for a loved one.
5. Utopia Ice
Ice cream handmade from scratch and the best Belgium waffles in Christchurch. Utopia Ice is a must visit for all your sweet tooth cravings. Get your hands on some spring citrus sorbet in spring, and fejioa sorbet in autumn. Utopia Ice use seasonal produce to produce the best ice cream in town. Looking for a vegan dessert in Christchurch? These guys do vegan and gluten free ice cream too. Find them on High Street in Christchurch Central and the city’s seaside suburb, Sumner.
6. The Great Pastry Shop
Another gem in the Christchurch Riverside Market is The Great Pastry Shop. Experienced pastry chefs and no short cuts mean The Great Pastry Shop is the home of quality pastries and tarts. This wee shop has a somewhat magical feel, with stylish finishes and a pastry cabinet that oozes marvellousness. Their philosophy is along the lines of, ‘if you’re going to have a treat, make sure it’s a good one’. This is something we can get behind! Come for the cinnamon brioche and stay for the various berry tarts.
7. The Gelato Lab
Great gelato; there’s a science to it. The Gelato Lab in Opawa, Christchurch make artisan gelato with both traditional Italian and kiwi influence. Try salted caramel, raspberry stracciatella and elderflower sorbetto. This is the place to grab a scoop or two! The only question is, cone or cup!
Keen to taste all the great gelato in New Zealand? Check out our list of The 7 Best Spots for Dessert in Queenstown.
8. Maison de Crepe
Sweet crepes all day, every day (expect Monday’s)! Maison de Crepe have the most incredible menu and we can’t imagine how you could stop at one choice. Keep it simple with lemon, sugar and cream, or go all out with their Banoffee Crepe with fresh banana, french caramel, homemade biscuit crumble, chantilly cream and Whittaker’s chocolate. You’ll also find waffles, pastries and ice cream sundaes here. A little slice of France in Merivale, Christchurch. They also make crepe cakes for special occasions!
Cover Image Credit: Utopia Ice.
