Giapo

Giapo is a theatrical artisan gelato shop at 12 Gore Street in the Auckland CBD, open late every day. Hours are Monday to Wednesday and Sunday from 10AM to 10PM, and Thursday to Saturday from 10AM to 10:30PM. It is known for elaborate handmade cones and gelato creations, and it is a stop worth making after dinner in the CBD. The cuisine category is gelato and ice cream, with the specialty described as handmade gelato cones; specific flavours and creations rotate, so the current offering should be checked on arrival. Prices are in the lower-middle bracket, with single creations typically NZ$10 to NZ$25 (about US$6 to US$14.50), so the more elaborate cones sit at the upper end and a simple scoop costs less. This is a dessert venue rather than a sit-down restaurant, so the emphasis is on spectacle and presentation: creations are built to order, and the experience is as much about watching them being assembled as eating them. The shop is busy in the evening and on weekends, queues are common after dinner, and the atmosphere is playful and family-friendly, with a casual dress code. There is no wine programme, though coffee and other cold drinks are typically available. Reservations are not normally part of the experience, and visitors should expect to queue at peak times, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings and during the summer months from December to February. Gore Street is a short walk from Britomart station, the Downtown ferry terminal and Queen Street, so it combines easily with a harbourfront walk or an evening in the Britomart dining district. The phone number listed is +64 21 088 82024. Anyone with allergies should ask staff about ingredients before ordering, as creations can include nuts, dairy, gluten and other common allergens.