Black Peak Gelato

With the motto, 'handcrafted happiness,' Black Peak in Wānaka makes sure its icy treats hit the spot, and inside the dripping pink coloured shop you'll find colours and flavours that gelato dreams are made of.

Bowls of Oreos, Hokey Pokey bits and Central Otago fruit line the benches behind the counter, and with the gelato machine turning those exact ingredients into the meal in a cone you're about to receive, there's no doubting the authenticity of this place.

Keeping some flavours fairly simple means customers can mix and match double scoops without the result being too overwhelming (Sea Salted Caramel and Chocolate is a popular combo). Expertly paddled into kiddy or waffle cones by the cheery staff, choosing is often the hardest part, and most likely, you'll have to come back more than once to feel you've had the true Black Peak experience. If it's a liquid treat you're after, Black Peak also offers all of its special flavours in their Best Shakes in the Southern Lakes. Choose from a milkshake, spider, thickshake or fruitshake.

With a faultless recipe passed down to owner Jon by an Italian friend, you can rest easy knowing this place does make true to the statement 'you can turn anything into ice cream.' Pick up your treat and sit on the seats or beanbags on the patio out front, or even better, wander down to Lake Wānaka and draw envious glances from fellow visitors.