Duck Island Ice Cream: Where to Buy, Flavors & More

Anyone who has wandered into a Duck Island scoop shop and stood in front of the case—torn between Toasted Marshmallow and Fairy Bread—already knows this isn’t ordinary ice cream. What started as a small-batch operation in Hamilton’s east side in 2015 has quietly become a New Zealand staple, with fans raving about its buttery texture and flavors that push past the usual chocolate-vanilla spectrum.

Founded: 2015 ·
Headquarters: Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand ·
Average calories per scoop: ~150 kcal ·
Number of scoop shops: 10+ across NZ ·
Vegan options available: Yes (dairy-free coconut-based)

The details below capture Duck Island’s current standing.

Why is Duck Island ice cream so good?

First-time tasters often remark on the texture. On Reddit, one user described it as having a “rich, buttery taste” and “fatty mouthfeel” (Reddit user forum discussion). That creaminess isn’t accidental—the brand’s official site says it has been hand-crafting small-batch ice cream in Waikato since 2015 (Duck Island Ice Cream official site).

Rich buttery texture and mouthfeel

• Duck Island says it uses a high fat-content base typical of premium NZ ice cream (Duck Island Ice Cream official site).
• The Spinoff described it as “creamy and innovative” (The Spinoff (NZ food & culture publication)).

Handcrafted small-batch production

• The brand says it’s made by chefs and ice cream enthusiasts in small batches (Duck Island Ice Cream official site).
• RNZ reported that ice cream sandwiches and cakes are still made in Hamilton (RNZ NZ public broadcaster).

Unique flavor combinations

The brand’s website lists 50 “lovely and peculiar” flavours (Duck Island Ice Cream official site). RNZ named Toasted Marshmallow, Orange Blossom Chocolate Chip, and Fairy Bread among the standouts (RNZ NZ public broadcaster).

Dairy-free options available

Duck Island offers dairy-free and vegan ice cream made with coconut milk, including a strawberry-makrut lime combination (Duck Island Ice Cream official site). A TripAdvisor reviewer called the dairy-free options a highlight (TripAdvisor (travel reviews)).

This mix of rich texture and creative flavors keeps the brand ahead of competitors.

Where can I buy Duck Island ice cream?

Duck Island scoop shops in New Zealand

• Hamilton: Grey Street (Duck Island Ice Cream official site)
• Auckland: Takapuna, Britomart, Ponsonby, Newmarket (Duck Island Ice Cream official site)
• Wellington: Cuba Street, Willis Lane (Duck Island Ice Cream official site)

Availability at Woolworths and Countdown supermarkets

RNZ reported that Duck Island products were stocked in supermarket freezers as of 2020 (RNZ NZ public broadcaster). The brand’s own site confirms customers can buy at local supermarkets or specialty food stores (Duck Island Ice Cream official site).

Can you get Duck Island ice cream in Australia?

As of publication, Duck Island is not available for purchase in Australia. The company’s official site makes no mention of international shipping or Australian retail partners.

For now, Kiwis have exclusive access to this growing brand.

Where is Duck Island ice cream made?

Every scoop of Duck Island ice cream starts in the Waikato region. The brand’s about page says it has been hand-crafting small-batch ice cream in Waikato since 2015 (Duck Island Ice Cream official site). RNZ confirmed that even as the chain grew to five parlours, the ice cream sandwiches and cakes are still made in Hamilton (RNZ NZ public broadcaster).

Production facility in Waikato region

• Headquarters and production remain in Hamilton, Waikato (Duck Island Ice Cream official site)

Ingredients sourcing and craftsmanship

The brand uses local dairy where possible and sources New Zealand strawberries for its dairy-free range (Duck Island Ice Cream official site).

The pattern: Duck Island’s manufacturing hasn’t outgrown its origin. Staying in Hamilton keeps production small and quality-controlled—a deliberate choice that limits scale but preserves the artisanal character.

Is Duck Island privately owned?

Yes, Duck Island Ice Cream remains privately held. The official website does not list founder names, and the brand is not part of any large conglomerate. RNZ referred to it as an independent operation started by “chefs and ice cream enthusiasts” (RNZ NZ public broadcaster).

The implication: Independence from corporate ownership means Duck Island can take risks on flavors like Roasted White Chocolate and Miso (which won a Cuisine Artisan Award) without shareholder pressure to play it safe.

How many calories are in Duck Island ice cream?

Duck Island does not publish exact calorie counts per flavor on its website. However, a typical artisan ice cream in New Zealand averages 120–200 kcal per scoop. The brand’s dairy-free coconut-based options may fall slightly lower due to the absence of dairy fat.

The catch: Without official nutrition panels on the site, calorie-conscious buyers will need to ask in-store or wait for the brand to add this data.

Transparency in nutrition could further boost consumer confidence.

“Has a rich, buttery taste and fatty mouthfeel.”

— Reddit user, r/aucklandeats (Reddit user forum)

“Best ice cream in town. The dairy-free options are fantastic.”

— TripAdvisor reviewer (TripAdvisor (travel reviews))

For Kiwis who haven’t tried Duck Island yet, the moment to visit a scoop shop is now—while the brand still has the feel of a local secret, and before the inevitable expansion makes it harder to maintain that small-batch magic. For Australians, the implication is clear: either make a trip across the Tasman, or wait—and hope the trademark stays true to its island name.

Frequently asked questions