On Wellington's Cuba Street, there's an ice cream shop where the queue rarely lets up: Duck Island. Often hailed as the pinnacle of New Zealand ice cream, it has won over locals and travellers alike with its wildly inventive flavours, exceptionally creamy texture, and an ever-changing lineup of seasonal specials.
The flavour that truly blew me away was Roasted White Chocolate Miso — yes, ice cream made with miso. Coming from Japan, even I was skeptical at first. But one bite in, the caramel-like sweetness and the salty, savoury depth of the miso melded so perfectly that before I knew it, my cone was gone.
What Is Duck Island?
Duck Island is one of New Zealand's flagship ice cream brands. Born in Hamilton, it has since expanded to Auckland and Wellington. Built on three pillars — adventurous flavours, locally sourced ingredients, and handmade quality — the team keeps developing new flavours every month.
Their reputation comes from a fearless approach to flavour development, weaving in seasonal produce, local New Zealand ingredients, and unexpected combinations. It's made Duck Island a trendsetter in the country's ice cream scene.
Flavours to Try
Roasted White Chocolate Miso
My personal top pick. Made with Japanese white miso, it tastes like a salted-caramel ice cream with extra depth. The richness of New Zealand dairy meets the umami and saltiness of miso for a flavour you genuinely won't find anywhere else. A single scoop runs around NZ$6. If you know miso well, the surprise of finding it in ice cream — and how well it works — is all the more delightful.
Raspberry Ambrosia
A vivid reddish-purple scoop packed with New Zealand raspberries. Sweet, tart, and bursting with fresh fruit — especially good on a hot day.
Salted Caramel
A classic, but Duck Island's version is in a league of its own. Simple yet deep, it lets the quality of the ingredients shine through.
Hokey Pokey
New Zealand's national flavour: vanilla ice cream studded with crunchy pieces of honeycomb toffee. If you're visiting NZ, this is a must-try at least once.
Seasonal Specials
The heart of Duck Island is its rotating seasonal menu. Pumpkin in autumn, passionfruit in summer, spiced flavours in winter — there's a new discovery every time you visit. Check their official social media for the latest lineup before you go.
The Waffle Cones Are Outstanding
Don't overlook Duck Island's waffle cones. Made to order right in front of you, the house-made cones come out crisp and fragrant — delicious in their own right. When asked cone or cup, go for the cone.
Sizes and Prices
- 1 scoop: around NZ$6
- 2 scoops: around NZ$9
- 3 scoops: around NZ$12
It's on the pricier side for New Zealand ice cream shops, but given the quality, it's money well spent.
Pair It with the Cuba Street Vibe
Cuba Street, where Duck Island sits, is Wellington's most bohemian neighbourhood — lined with quirky cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Strolling the street with an ice cream in hand is one of the great Wellington experiences.
On weekends you'll often find street performers and markets, making it the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere.
Essential Info
- Address: Cuba Street, Wellington (on Cuba Street)
- Hours: roughly 12:00–21:00 (varies by day and weather)
- Payment: cards accepted (EFTPOS/Visa/Mastercard)
- Wait times: expect queues on weekend afternoons; weekday mornings are quieter
- Instagram: follow @duckislandnz for the latest flavours
Who Will Love It
- Travellers who want to experience food the locals genuinely love
- Adventurous eaters drawn to unusual flavours
- Anyone curious about the quality of New Zealand dairy
- Visitors planning a wander down Cuba Street
Duck Island is a must-visit whenever you're in Wellington. Work up the courage to try the miso ice cream — you won't regret it.