We (owners Ann and Malcolm McDonald) relocated from Nelson to East Coast Bays in 2002 to open up Penguino. We chose beautiful Browns bay beach right in Phoenix Plaza, and enjoy serving the locals and community our freshly made gelato ice cream. We pasteurise the milk ourselves and make ice cream using the finest ingredients every day. Chocolates are melted to get that smooth texture and fantastic flavour, and we use real fruit in the sorbets. Our gelato ice creams have won several awards. In 2022 we were voted in the top 10 best ice cream shops in New Zealand by the NZ Herald Best of Summer Campaign.
We serve 24 flavours daily, often changing the flavours to offer variety. Milkshakes are made with your choice of ice cream; mix the flavours together and get something really special. The Amico is the largest of our sundaes, which is great to share… or be brave enough to tackle one on your own! We also have a range of delicious sundaes and drinks to choose from.
For that special occasion or birthday, give us just a couple days notice to make an ice cream cake. They come in two sizes: small and large, with a choice of one or two flavours. Let your imagination run wild and decorate it any way you like.
Penguino is open from the first weekend in September to the first weekend in June. Closed over winter.