Giapo

Saw reviews of this all over the internet when looking for location to visit in Auckland. So I had to try it myself and visit this place. Hands down one of the most unique ice cream store that I have visited in my life time. The flavors were limited but the unique part about the whole experience is to order the different type of cones that they have like the Colossal Squid Cone. Made it all the more worth the wait and the for the gram. Highly recommend to visit this place for a unique experience for dessert and to get nice food pictures.

The facility is dedicated GF and has been in business for ten years. The owner is celiac and very knowledgeable. It is by far the absolute best bakery I have eaten at in quality, taste, safety and experience. It was a treat to be able to get amazing GF treats that were also fun and IG worthy. The donuts were so light and fluffy and the cookies soft and moist with delicious toppings. I would highly recommend this bakery.

Best quality gelato I have had in Auckland. I had the Hokey Pokey and strawberries and cream and my partner had Hokey Pokey and dark chocolate. The strawberries and cream was my favourite; nostalgic yet upgraded and delicious. The standard cone here is also delicious. Quite expensive (especially for the cone size serving) but very nice.

My favorite ice cream place in Auckland! Love that all the cones are gluten free and they have a dairy free sorbet as well. Their flavours rotate, so it’s fun trying new ice cream. One of my favourites has been the lemon blueberry.

2 Dishes 1. Nutella filled brioche bun with dark chocolate ice cream. Brioche Buns: Warm toasted brioche buns are split and filled with creamy Nutella ice cream, often garnished with nuts or raisins. Steamed Buns: A popular variation includes steamed, soft buns filled with Nutella and a whole Chocobar ice cream. Ice Cream Mix-in: Nutella is blended directly into ice cream, which can be served inside a bun or as a scoop. Prep Tip: To make at home, you can hollow out a brioche bun, fill it with a generous amount of Nutella, top with vanilla ice cream, and optionally toast it in a sandwich press.

Staff was very helpful and friendly. Lots of flavours to choose from and you get to taste them before you commit. The gelato was tasty but on the sweeter side. The cone was unique, very crispy and had a nice warm, nutty, malty flavour. Very nice space to sit and chill with yummy desserts.

It’s great that they are a dedicated Gluten Free establishment. We didn’t know that going in and were very happy to get some baked goods along with the ice cream. It’s a bit pricey but was tasty. I wish the Hokey Pokey had a bit more crunchy bits but the mascarpone one was very good. So good I forgot to take a picture.

Learned about this place from Mark Wien's video and I m so glad we went there. There was a line but the wait was worth it. Icecream was elaborate, beautiful and also tasty. My 6 year old son was super excited when they handed him this ice cream. Thank you for experience and memory. 😊

I do not think I have ever spent this much on ice cream before, but it was well worth it. My favorite thing here were the ice cream cones. The cones are just so unique, whimsical, and just outright fun. We got the helicopter cone and the picture frame cone. If you are like me, then you might be spending quite a bit of time taking pictures with the cone. I was a little sad when my ice cream started melting so I had to start eating it. My sadness than became joy because the gelato is excellent here. I tried a couple of different flavors and it was so difficult to not just get all of them, but we ended up getting the hokey. The gelato was smooth, creamy, and tasty. This is definitely worth the one time visit if you are in the area. I do not regret spending this much on ice cream at all.

Ice cream as an experience, heck yah. New flavors made 2x a day. Free tasting on wooden sticks (eco friendly). Crazy shaped toppers, cones or cups. You can even split flavors in a cup because you won't be able to pic a favorite. Tried some Kiwi favorite and a few true US flavors. The ice cream, gelato?, is made by an Italian and it is so creamy, rich and flavorful. There are also cookies and pastries. Well worth a trip to find this gem of a dessert. The JW Marriott reception recommended it and I do as well Highly recommend and will go back when I return to Auckland in 25 days. Ps - spray bottles of water to shew the pigeons.

We got the squid ice cream cone and it was delicious! Obviously pricey for the specialty cone but it was worth the experience - the chocolate tentacles were a great second snack and the Hokey Pokey ice cream was so great

Giapo was on an Auckland "To-Do" list. One day while I was wandering around Auckland, I decided to check out Giapo. I entered the shop and saw all the cone options on the wall. There was a great variety and I was tempted to go with the octopus cone, the cone that was detailed in the article recommending Giapo. Instead though, I went with a cone with what seemed like crunch air pockets around the edge (bad description, but that's what it was like!) with banana flavored ice cream. The ice cream was really good! I thoroughly enjoyed it...however, once I got to the cone, I quickly realized the ENTIRE cone was chocolate. Sadly it was too much chocolate for me and I ended up throwing a significant portion of it away. So, while I definitely recommend Giapo, be very careful when selecting a cone. You want to eat all of it, you know?

A visit to Auckland must include a stop at Giapo. While the service isn't particularly friendly (minus one star), you can sample the flavors before deciding on your order. For a truly unique experience, you can order a unique cone. I opted for the hokey pokey and highly recommend to everyone. While there are not any spots to eat inside the shop, there are a few tables and chairs in the enclosed patio.

Most definitely worth the hype! I tried the Hokey and while I had already tried the flavor at other ice cream shops, Giapo hokey was THE BEST! Yes; there's hype, it's a trend, etc... etc... BUT its delicious! They also had a vegan option for my husband so he would not miss out on the fun. Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for a cold treat.

Giapo is a top notch ice cream shop that's great for a casual hang. The Hokey Pokey is tasty and has a good pop of honey. It's a little nook to order and service is great, but otherwise you have a decent amount of outdoor seating under awning. They have a diverse set of cones too if that's up your alley but the classic is great too. Worth a stop, especially on a Summer day.

More than a year ago, while I was in Auckland, a chef from the area suggested Giapo to me. Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to visit at the time. A few months ago, while I was back home in LA, I caught a news segment about the singer Cher teaming up with a New Zealand ice cream shop to launch her own mobile ice cream truck named Cherlato. It was then that I realized that Cher had collaborated with Giapo. So, during my recent work trip to Auckland, I made sure to make time for a visit. I tried the hokey pokey ice cream in a small cup and loved it, but the pricey, fancy cones didn't seem worthwhile. People might be drawn to them for Instagram's sake. Nonetheless, ice cream is delicious. It was fun going with my colleagues to check it out finally. I wouldn't go back though.

Mmmm, perhaps one of the creamiest ice cream I've ever eaten. Maybe because it was a little melted too. We had the coffee flavor with handmade waffle cone. The coffee was true to its flavor. Not a whimpy coffee flavor. The waffle cone was fresh and very crispy. It was topped with cocoa powder. The person taking our order was friendly and helpful. She explained the menu and and offered us samples. Maybe because of covid, they closed the inside. So you order at the door and wait for them to prepare you order. They've set up a table on a counter inside by the window where you can watch them make it. Honestly, the table was a bit of a mess. All the toppings were in plastic containers scattered on the table. It was ok, but just a bit unprofessional looking. 5 stars for the ice cream. 4 stars for the messy table (sorry)

It's good. Long lines. Exorbitant prices but so instagram worthy. I seeked this place out cuz I tiktoked and ppl mentioned it. There is no seating area. I got a scoop of ice cream but you can try all their flavors. Service was good in that way. I took uber here but I think there's street parking. The prices may be fair, I dunno NZD is just bigger numbers than what I'm used to in USD. Conversion was favorable at the time I visited tho, Like $1.20 of NZD may be like $.83 cents of USD or something like that. Should you go out of your way to go here? Nah. I live in LA and there's a lot of chocolatey ice cream just as good.

What can a say?! ITS DIFFERENT in a good way... That's what makes this place stand out. Great Product! Great Ice Cream! Great Location! The gentleman at the counter taking our order had to be the owner. He was supper nice. Looks like the place is still set up for pandemic levels. everyone is kept outside. you're given a number and the device vibrates when your order is ready.

The unique flavors won me over, the best and freshest ingredients keep me coming back. Seriously, I couldn't stop thinking about their gelato. I planned my last two days in Auckland around Giapo. Great service too. Met Giapo himself, and let me tell you, his artistry and the passion he pours into his gelato is no joke! He's the real deal!

Came across this cute little shop while meandering around the pier and shopping area in Auckland. Only 10 ice cream flavors, but also about 4-6 bakery items like cookies, tiramisu. Their board said freshly baked ice cream cones and they had a good variety. Really enjoyed their ice cream but the tiramisu was too sweet and would skip next time (one star off for that).

This place was fun. The ice cream flavors were interesting and unique. The cones were also unique. Atmosphere was ok, it's just a window order service and then you wait outside for the ice cream. It's still a fun experience. Nieces and nephews enjoyed it. Definitely pricey!

I don't understand this place, even after careful ordering. I tried the Hokey Pokey and the Banana cookie ice cream in a small cup. When I say small, it was very small. The ice cream was whipped like cream cheese can be and my cup was short of levitation. There was a topping, I didn't expect a topping but I guess was part of the Hokey Pokey experience but then obscuring the Banana side? It was highly priced but since air is free... Maybe I did something wrong?

I was so sure I'd love this place, but was very disappointed upon trying it. The ice cream texture was so-so, being more like soft-serve. Flavors were all meh. The cone tasted a little off to me. It's more visually stunning than flavorfully so. Super friendly staff though.

I was visiting Aukland several years ago with my father and we happened across Giapo while exploring. It was so yummy we had to go back a couple of times. Giapo makes the most delicious ice cream and ice cream creations. It's a must try for anyone visiting Aukland. My dad passed away 3 years ago but I will always delight in our yummy memories.

Honestly this place is worth the hype. When we arrived there was a small line that didn't move then there was a huge surge in the line. You're not just going to the counter and ordering a scoop they make the whole thing into an experience. If you know what you want once you're at the front you can move towards the right and place your order with an employee. Otherwise if it's your first time or you're unsure of what to order they place you in groups for a tasting. There were two groups going at a time. There were three of us and we were combined with a couple for a tasting. The ice cream was served in little metal tins with a cup wooden sticks to be replaced for each bite! Since it's not a curved spoon where someone could scoop a huge bite out there was more than everyone for each of us to sample and even enough at the end for 2 or 3 people to go in for a second taste to finalize their choices. Ater your tasting you place your order with the employee, wait outside, and have your order brought to you. There's a good mix of common flavors (dark chocolate, peanut butter,..) along with some more elevated flavors (blackberry mustard, aperol spritz topped with olives ,..). Each comes with it's own set of toppings will no room for alterations/substitutions. We decided on the Strawberry and Cream. This might be the best strawberry ice cream I've ever had. It was smooth, packed with flavor, and sweet without being cloyingly so. It also had a nice addition of texture with the puffed quinoa topping. This isn't just a toursit trap but locals still frequent for a cone. Not only do they have a lot of cute innovative options (colossal squid of chocolate, selfie cone with chocolate frame, wearable finger cones,..) but their flavors really back it up. The only thing I can say against this place is that there's no option to get your ice cream in a cup, cones only.

Giapo is by far the best overall ice cream experience I've ever had! While the line was a bit long, a friendly hostess offered us a piece of their delightful dark chocolate. When it was our turn, we were then led to a tasting table to have our senses tantalized by sampling their various flavors. We fully enjoyed all of the samples, but eventually settled on a double cone of the coconut cookie and salted caramel flavors in a "regular cone". This concoction was anything but regular, and I've never had a more creamy, delectable, or beautiful looking ice cream cone. I'm so overjoyed that the hype was so real, and I would probably start crying happy tears if ever y'all decided to open up a branch in the USA! Will probably return at least 2 more times while we're in town!

Giapo is hands down the BEST ice cream experience I've ever had so far in the WORLD! While that might sound like an over exaggeration, there simply wasn't a single bad thing to say about Giapo. Giapo really is the full ice cream EXPERIENCE. Your group gets called to 1 of their 2 tasting tables where they explain everything Giapo has to offer. They have about 9 different ice cream/topping combinations, then about 13 different ways for that delicious ice cream to be served to you. These range from a simple waffle cone all the way up to what they call the "colossal squid." The fact that they encourage you to try all 9 of their unique flavor combinations already makes this ice cream shop a winner. Complimentary glasses of water and samples of their dark chocolate puffed rice bark are available as well while you wait. After making the toughest decision of choosing our flavors (literally all 9 flavors are AMAZING), we got a double scoop of coconut chocolate cookie, and giapo buono on top of a waffle cone. The flavor on top matters because that's the flavor whose toppings will be showcased on top. Our salted caramel ice cream was aesthetically topped with amoretti, Italian meringue, hazelnut praline, and fresh roasted hazelnuts. But don't forget about the coconut chocolate cookie ice cream underneath as it's easily just as good. Their waffle cones are slightly thicker than normal so it holds up to their crazy ice cream creations, and look out for the surprise when you get to the bottom of the cone. While we are only visiting Auckland for a short bit, I seriously hope Giapo comes back to the USA with us! I would travel to New Zealand just to experience this ice cream again, it's THAT good! Thank you for the ice cream experience Giapo, keep on doing what you do best.

The most innovative and creative ice cream shop I've been to so far! I heard about this place on pinterest and from the concierge at the hotel I was staying at. It's close to Queens street in Auckland where all the shopping and tourists are. There was a long line but it went by quickly. They gather about 6 to 7 people around 2 stands that show there menu, flavors and examples of the ice cream cones. There's a selfie stick ice cream cone, finger ice cream cones a donut ice cream cone, the most popular the squid chocolate ice cream cone, and so much more! The squid chocolate ice cream cone is not actual squid lol. Its just shaped into a squid and made of chocolate pieces. I tried all the flavors and my favorite was the local favorite, Hokey Pokey. It's basically double cream I've cream with bits of honeycomb. It tasted like crunchy caramel pieces in vanilla ice cream. I got it in a regular waffle cone, the other cones looked way too sweet for me. It's kinda pricey but worth the experience! There's some seating inside but only like 7 seats and there's tables outside. I would definitely come here again! Oh and they don't take cash, card only.

A must stop if you're in Auckland. It's a dessert lovers paradise, with amazing customer service from people that are passionate about ice cream. If it is your first time, they do a tasting of all their flavors, so you are satisfied with your purchase. Yes, their ice cream is a little overboard in price but you have to do it at least once. Their presentation is a work of art! I got their two most popular flavors, the Giapo and hokey pokey. The toppings on the Giapo really add to the flavor! Overall, a must stop in Auckland.

There's no doubt, the ice cream is awesome!! But holy cow on the prices!! Giapo goes to great lengths on service - no better way to distinguish yourself, right? While you wait in line, they offer you bits of chocolate. When someone is ready to help you, they explain to you how it all works. They offer you samples and explain the flavors. And they don't make a stink about your wavering on what to order. There is an assortment of different types of cones and decorations. Our party each got a chocolate evolution. The cup looked small but it turned out to be bigger than we really needed. As it is, the ice cream was about $8 or so (can't remember exact price). But if you want a cone, it's more, if you want a speciality cone, it's something like $10+ more, if you want a selfie cone, that'll set you back $18. And I don't mean $18 for everything, you still pay for the ice cream on top of that!! So those fancy cones you see in the pics, consider yourself $20+ poorer if you want one. But for dark chocolate lovers, chocolate evolution is definitely the way to go! No complaints on taste there!

Now look. The ice cream won't be the cheapest, it's a walk-up spot with a scant amount of outdoor seating, and you're not gonna have 52 flavors to choose from. Is it still worth the visit? Absolutely. The customer service was top-notch and they're more than happy to give you a sample and some flavor combo suggestions, but the ice cream is the star. I came on a random Monday afternoon to beat the epic lines I've read about and didn't have to wait at all; I encourage others to do the same. Definitely worth a stop if you're in Auckland!

Loved my experience there, the concept and the ice cream! They start you with a tasting (how nice!) with all the flavors of the day. Then you decide which ice cream you want. Before I forget, they have different types of cones as well, some in a cone, some in chocolate covered cake, some in fried dough. Unique concept truly. There's water on the side should you get thirsty, a few seatings inside and outside. Take out window for people on the go is available too. I enjoyed their ice cream, though a bit too much for me to finish. None the less, I would recommend to anyone to give it a try!

Good tourist spot to try. Their portions are BIG. Like, eat as a meal instead of after dinner portions. Seems like there's always a line, but it moves fairly quickly. Just remember that everyone there tastes the ice cream flavors, just like you will once you get there so please be respectful of that. They have some seasonal flavors, and some core. There's about 8 flavors or so that you can choose from, and you can't do too many crazy combos so that helps with decision making. Their ice creams are fun to look at and to try so I'd recommend this place for those visiting. But I don't think I'd be able to add it to a weekly outing thing. That's just me.

Very cool ice cream shop just off the main drag (Queen Street) offering a really unique experience. Not only are the flavors unique, from locally sourced ingredients, but you are asked to sample as many choices as you want after being invited back to the order area. Customers are told all about the ice cream, including seasonal favorites and vegan choices. I am dairy free, so finding tasty alternatives is sometimes a challenge. But the wonderful Coconut and Chocolate I had was creamy and delightful. And the chocolate dipping made the experience all that much better. I'm a big fan, and will definitely be back later in the trip!

I was looking up best places for ice cream in Auckland and Giapo continuously popped up on everyone's list. We'd ate dinner in the CBD so we decided to drop by and check out Giapo for a late dessert. We came on a Tuesday evening (around 9:15pm) and it was packed. There was a line out the door! Crazy. It makes more sense once you get inside. The service is next level: you get a 1 on 1 with a Giapo specialist. They walk you through the menu and let you sample multiple flavours. We tried half the flavours which was a nice touch. There's 5 seats to sit at but they also have two small bench areas outside. You can pay by cash or credit here. The menu is split into flavours, hold me, whammies and discombobulating. The whammies are hilarious. I have no idea whose buying these extra add ons. All I know is that they're ridiculous and expensive. Same for the hold me's ($18.00 NZD for a selfie cone)! - Kiwifruit & garden coriander ($8.50 NZD) - they had 4 sorbet flavours and this was the best one. Never had a coriander combo flavour before but it was awesome. Easily the best out of all the flavours. Sorbet had a great smooth texture and they topped it with edamame and poppy seeds. - Giapo buono and Afghan cookies ($12.50 NZD double scoop) - this one B and I shared. It's $3.00 NZD for a second scoop. Giapo buono is their signature; made up of caramel, hazelnut praline and amaretti. The Afghan cookie was cornflake chocolate crunchy cookies. It's all about the presentation (*cough cough* Insta here). They topped the ice cream with brûléed marshmallow and rose gold encrusted hazelnuts. The flavours of the ice cream were just so-so. It's worth coming for a visit but it's the priciest ice cream place I've ever been to. 3.5 stars.

Giapo sets itself up as the Gucci of the ice cream world. I feel like going to a makeup counter, with a one-on-one consultation with staff, free samples and advice on types of ice cream and cones. The cones are highly stylized (you must buy them, no cups). The ice cream are tasty and rich. While I'm not rich, I can accept the jaw-dropping price. What I can't accept is my ice cream melting faster than the wicked witch of the west. It doesn't just drip, it hemorrhages, needing constant mop up and wads of napkins. Some people have better luck than me, because they eat theirs outside, in the cold weather.

I have to say, I was not expecting the experience that I got when I went to this popular ice cream store. I was super lucky and arrived at a time in the early evening where there were no lines. When I arrived, one of the employees was just about to do an ice cream tasting experience (which I didn't even realize was a free experience!) with some other customers, and asked if I would be OK joining them, to which I said yes of course! We were all allowed to try the different flavor option samples they had available in the store so we could then choose our own personal ice cream masterpiece! I had fully intended to get the hokey pokey before going in to the store, but after the tasting, I ended up loving the Coconut cookie option, so the tasting definitely helped me decide! I ended up ordering a "basic" waffle cone with the ice cream flavor I had decided on, and was not expecting the amazing delicious cone that I received. The other customers that I did the tasting with also loved their creations too! I really think that the price you pay with the quality of the ice cream and full experience is absolutely amazing! The store is tiny, with limited seating, and they have free sparkling/still water taps for customers too! This is definitely a visit I did not regret!

Pretty awesome ice cream for one of Auckland's many sunny days. The line moves slowly because for every new customer (most visitors) they'll explain the various cones to you and let you sample all of the flavors so that you won't regret your choice. As I'm normally wrought with indecision, I really appreciated that! I devoured the big portion they give you in the standard waffle cone

Giapo is not an ice cream store -- it is an EXPERIENCE. When we got there, we were invited to an ice cream tasting, where we got to try all the flavors (sans the decorative stuff). Our hostess was really enthusiastic, informative, and a natural story-teller, which made for an even better time. I didn't try a single flavor that I didn't like. I know that some things here (e.g. the "Different Ways to Hold It" section of the main menu) can be outlandish -- borderline gimmicky -- but the actual flavors are beautiful and most of them are native to New Zealand. I'm from NYC, but I've never had any ice cream like this or any experience like the one I had at Giapo.

I visited precovid and this place was an experience! They are like ice cream consultants... We got to try all the flavors before deciding what we wanted, which was amazing! I decided to get my ice cream in a Maori fry bread, which was very tasty and unique. The prices here are super high, so that's the only drawback, but it's still worth a visit.

This is the fanciest ice cream shop I've ever been to. Presentation and service is absolutely top notch. You get laser focused attention from the server, and you're free to sample every single flavor. I just wanted to try hokey pokey ice cream, which is apparently a staple flavor in New Zealand. I didn't realize that this place would serve it dipped in chocolate and topped with hokey pokey pieces as its basic version, especially since we decided against all the other extras like specialty waffle cones and designs. I was expecting a literal scoop of ice cream in a cup, no fuss involved. The price seems steep at first, but when you think about it, the care they put into every creation is kind of amazing, and I don't think it's the most I've ever paid for ice cream. The only part I hated was waiting in the small, crowded lobby. Because every order is made to perfection, production is so slow. My cousin had time to go souvenir shopping after we ordered and come back before I received our order. Kudos on the ice cream lasting the car ride home without melting! I took an uber, so I didn't want to eat in his car in case I made a mess. That thing was still pretty solid when I got back to the hotel.

Seeing this place all over YouTube and magazines before arriving in Auckland, I knew this was a must try and I wasn't disappointed at all. Arriving on a hot afternoon, I was welcomed at the counter and served concierge style. The server walked me through the flavours on an iPad and showed some demo cones for me to see what they look like, including the finger sized cones, and the Sky Tower shaped cones. Next, I was greeted with a setting of the sample flavours. I chose the hazelnut Giapo Buono and the NZ Hokey Pokey served on a Maori Paraoa Parai fried bread. Service was impeccable as I originally wanted the Kiwi Sorbet on the fried bread but it was explained that the sorbet would melt too quickly in the fried bread, so I was served the Kiwi Sorbet in a cup while I waited for the other order to be prepared. The Kiwi sorbet was tart and refreshing, and helped me get settled in for the main event. I could also get a glass of water to clean my palate and wipe my hands with the provided wet wipes before digging in. The presentation of my fried bread order was beyond expectations, with the fried bread cut in half, stuffed with the gelato, before having the gelato end of the bread chocolate coated, and topped with hazelnuts for the Giapo Buono, and bits of honey comb crunch for the Hokey Pokey. The Giapo Buono was rich and creamy, while the Hokey Pokey was easily my favourite version of this NZ flavour, with the honey crunch mixing well with the rich dairy. I would bear the CBD commute to make it here again the next time I'm in Auckland.

I'm from Portland, Oregon, USA and if you've been to Portland, then you know we like things... well... weird! This hit the mark with that and it's definitely unique. I love their take on ice cream and the different types you can choose. Far different from places I've tried anywhere else. This is just as good as Portland's very own Salt & Straw!

Giapo is the spot you want to go to if you're looking for fancy ice cream flavors with fancy decorations. They have tons of unique flavors, beautifully decorated and dipped cones, and have been around for a while. What could get better than that? They even offer "sample flights" aka samples of some of their ice cream, flight style, complimentary. That's definitely some great customer service there. What to get: Hokey Pokey, Afghan Cookies, Roast and Smoke with some of their amazing add-ons such as the Paraoa (traditional maori fried bread) or the sourdough doughnut. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but you're paying for the uniqueness, the taste, and the detail. Definitely worth a stop in if you're in the area!

This place is definitely worth a visit. If you are a first time visitor, they ask if you want to do a tasting. We didn't do that as my husband specifically wanted to try the Hokey Pokey ice cream which he had been told was a New Zealand specialty. It did not disappoint! I'd for sure eat it again.

Sampled three and went for the coffee one, thought it's small but couldn't finish in the end. Friendly staffs. No queue on a rainy day which is just lovely.

Hmm is Giapo worth walking down that big hill for an ice cream cone made in house? Don't worry babe, if you buy me one, I will personally carry you back up the hill! The Giapo Bueno flavor combines caramel, amoretti, and hazelnut praline in a delicious yet not overly sweet manner, and I enjoyed it in a gluten free waffle cone. Definitely get it with the toppings that it comes with, as that really makes it awesome, both in flavor and textures. It's a bit pricey at $9.50 NZ dollars plus Xtra for a gluten free waffle cone, but it was worth it to me. I may return tomorrow! My photos show the gluten free menu but they also have a regular menu and a dairy free menu. They have a few vegan flavors too. Bravo, Giapo, in Auckland, well done !

Ice cream is definitely unique here. From the flavors to the presentation; it's very eclectic. Love the different ways to order the ice cream. From a "selfie" portrait to the Ice cream stuffed Maori bread. Great place, but I wish it was a little bigger with more tables.

Seems like the creations are more about Instagram-worthy pictures than actual taste. Each flavor seems to have too many adjectives and competing tastes as to be almost overwhelming. The portions are HUGE, more than I can (or should) eat. That also makes it fairly expensive. Did try the hokey pokey. It was so over-the-top honey that I couldn't finish it.

Hands down the best original ice cream experience we have ever had! You will have to wait a little bit as everyone is helped in groups at two different satiations but DEFINITELY worth the wait! First the process was explained to us on how to make our ice cream with all the many options to choose from! We were then given every ice cream to try... and we aren't talking a small bit to try... decent sized cups so you get the full flavor! See picture. Amazing! No place has ever done that before. And it's standard you don't have to ask to try flavors. All the flavors were so different and made it hard to choose but we did two flavors Giapo Buono (Carmel, hazelnut praline, amaretti) and Chch Haz'nut Dominican Choc (with house-made hazelnut spread). Then had it in a Deluxe Cone -- chose the chocolate dipped and gold dusted. The ice cream was rolled in a hazelnut dust?? And then marshmallow topping that was charred (like a s'mores!!!) with gold dusted hazelnuts. If you love hazelnuts like I do then this is the one you want! It was $25 NZ but totally worth the experience! I would buy another one again if we are ever back. Delicious food art!! Yummmm.

GIAPO. The best ice cream in New Zealand. Here are five reasons why I love GIAPO (and why you should try their ice cream!): 1. Owner Gianpaolo (Giapo) Grazioli. Giapo is the creative mastermind behind all the wondrous ice cream creations. He is very passionate about his ice cream and is the most enthusiastic person I know! You will often find him at the store, talking to customers and/or taking orders. Not many hospitality owners do this around Auckland, so I think this is pretty awesome. Also a special mention to Giapo's wife, Annarosa, who is lovely, kind and always a joy to see at the Giapo store. 2. The ice cream, of course. The menu at Giapo is extensive, with many flavours to choose from. All of the ice creams are gluten free, with four being vegan - definitely something for everyone! Their ice cream is different to that of the normal ones you would get at a dairy or supermarket - Giapo's are like works of art. I particularly like that all of their ice cream flavours are hidden from the public, however you can taste as many as you like. My favourite flavour at Giapo is Giapo Buono - it is a classic winner! Think lightly salted caramel ice cream, rolled in hazelnut praline and amaretti biscuits, topped with swirls of Italian meringue and bronzed hazelnuts. Dreamy. Other Giapo flavours which I have enjoyed: - Kiss Kiss Kiss - my second favourite flavour featuring Christchurch Hazelnut gelato, topped with dark and milk chocolate, candied hazelnuts and a pair of chocolate lips! - Chocolate Evolution - the most decadent out of all the flavours. I would describe the ice cream like a dark chocolate mousse, with Dominican dark chocolate and cacao nibs. - Hokey Pokey - this is an iconic Kiwi sweet and now it is in ice cream form! Made using Tongan vanilla and topped with chocolate and honeycomb toffee, I highly recommend this flavour to first time visitors! - Siamu Popo - Coconut and caramel jam from Samoa and made into ice cream, dusted with cocoa powder and topped with a chocolate disc. This flavour is always a hit among my workmates. - Afghan Cookie - Caramelised white chocolate ice cream, rolled in cornflakes and topped with a homemade cookie and walnut halve. - Coconut Chocolate Chip - creamy coconut ice cream, topped with dark chocolate, rice puffs and a half dipped vegan chocolate cookie. This is a great choice for vegans! - Satsuma Mandarin & Red Capsicum - one of Giapo's lovely sorbets, made using mandarins from Thames and red capsicum from Kerikeri and topped with cardamom seeds. - Chocolate and Peanuts - tastes just like another Kiwi icon - Peanut Slab! 3. The incredible creations If you want to go next level, then I recommend trying one of Giapo's "Whammies" aka extra add-ons to your ice cream. These include adding a sourdough doughnut to the top of your ice cream, the 'Two Become One' - two chocolate halves to join together, 'The Visio' and 'Sky Tower'. - The Visio - inspired by New Zealand's Te Papa Museum's world famous Colossal Squid (I recommend sharing this between two... or three!) - Auckland's Sky Tower - the tallest ice cream in the Southern Hemisphere! - Sourdough Doughnut - fried a la minute. 4. Giapo's Discombobulating Menu. Since moving to their new and much larger premises at 12 Gore Street, Giapo and his team have created a "Discombobulating Menu". Here, you will find ice cream incorporated with foods around the world. Think Montreal's Poutine, Italy's Arancini, India's Pani Puri and Japan's Gyoza. I have so far tried the Poutine - a sweet and savoury dish combining fries, ice cream and drizzled with salted caramel sauce and the Arancini - a saffron rice ball filled with caramel ice cream (a hot and cold combination). 5. The little things. Upon arriving at Giapo, you may get asked if you want to try shortbread or brownie while you wait. Definitely try some! The best is when they bring round tiny cups of their pure hot chocolate drink. These little things set you up for the ultimate sweet tooth experience! Giapo has been operating since 2008, and each time I visit, it continues to amaze me. And thus, it still remains one of my favourite places in Auckland today and I think, for many more years to come. Seriously get to Giapo now if you haven't already - you will literally be in ultimate foodie heaven!

The tasting is well done. They have a great selection. Menus: English menu, vegan, gluten free, Japanese, Chinese, Korean menus. I highly recommend Maori fried bread. Delicious and vegan!

This has to be one of the best places to get ice cream in Auckland. Due to covid 19 the selection of desserts has being cut though. Its a bit like a restaurant where you wait to be seated then given a menu. So this isn't an ice cream van experience at all. A bit more sophistication is involved here and the price reflects that. It's not cheap but the desserts taste soooo good. I took my son for the first time the other day and he loved it. Ain't nothing sweeter than seeing your kids big grin when he laid his eyes on that chocolate congee for the first time. So we shared a chocolate moose and ice cream cone and it kept him running around chasing seagulls for a good hour after. Recommend this place, but if you want to keep in the same size jeans, don't go too much.

If you love ice cream, you definitely need to check this place out! This was probably the most artistic way of doing ice cream that i have ever seen. We kept it small and got the kissy lips and the donut. Honestly, more than enough ice cream for us! the portions are super generous. They offer samples of ice cream flavors which helps, come try this place out!

Where ice cream meets art. As far as ice cream and gelato establishments go, Giapo has definitely carved out a gastronomically indulgent niche of its own. Every single aspect of the experience has been thoughtfully curated - from unique flavors like Keri Keri Avocado, Samoan Caramel, and the must try local favorite, Hokey Pokey to the deluxe handcrafted cones made with red velvet to white chocolate to hazelnut. And the toppings, OMG the toppings. Their wide array of premium toppings include chocolate dipped macadamia nuts, gold encrusted hazelnuts, torched marshmallows and a freaking full-sized DONUT. Service here is fantastic as well. You can tell the staff is highly passionate about making each and every cup/cone as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. It's surprising how quick the line moves given the incredible detail they put into assembling each work of art. Well worth the inevitable queue, the $$$, and arguably the 12-hour flight across the Pacific!

Tastes as good as it looks! I'm not the biggest sweet tooth, but Giapo was so good! Quite decently priced it was $11.50 for a two scoop. And they topped it off with meringue and nuts (honestly - you put meringue on something and I am SOLD). The layout and the way the shop works - is kinda strange. But they walk you through the process. It's quite fun. There are different cone designs for some extra moolah, if you want to up your instagram game haha. But it's pretty great even without it.