Duck Island Wellington

It was only a matter of time before Hamilton’s Duck Island ice cream came knocking on Wellington’s door. 

After several immensely successful pop-ups in the capital, Wellingtonians now have their own permanent Duck Island store on their most famous street. Decked out in perfectly laid tiles and pastel pink hues, the shop is a welcome splash of colour (and fantastic ice cream) among its grittier neighbours.

Step inside and you’ll definitely feel a world away from Cuba Street. Duck Island’s brand identity is simple - “heavy on the pink” - and there’s plenty of that running throughout. The dreamlike, soft tones of the fit-out are complemented by a harmonious symmetry within. This is reflected in the prominent archway, the zigzag floorboards, and the blackboard menu right at the back, flanked by shelves of spotless white ice cream cups.

The only thing breaking the perfect symmetry is the seating arrangement - a brown bench lining one side of the store, and on the other side, wooden tables extending from the walls. But even this is executed in such a seamless way it only amplifies the sense of zen inside.

In the ever-competitive world of ice cream flavours, Duck Island continues to innovate. Signature scoops you can tuck into include fairy bread; roasted white chocolate and miso; peppermint slice; salted caramel and cacao crumb; and white chocolate pomegranate macadamia. And with vegan flavours such as black sticky rice and coconut chocolate contributing to the 40 rotating flavours in-store, you won’t get bored any time soon.

With its fresh, funky aura and string of fun flavours to explore, Duck Island taps into the nostalgia around one of the most timeless treats to have existed, right in the centre of Wellington’s cultural heart.