Officially New Zealand’s best gelato has found a home in Waipu. Little Lato, the award-winning bespoke gelato company founded by self-proclaimed “gelato fanatic” Hannah Engelsman, brings authentic Italian gelato craftsmanship to Cove Road, right opposite McLeods Brewery & Pizza Barn. Open throughout summer, this artisan parlour offers a taste of genuine gelato made with passion, innovation, and the finest hand-selected ingredients.
What sets Little Lato apart is their extraordinary collection of accolades. Named 2024 Supreme Champion Boutique NZ Ice Cream Producer and winner of Best Gelato in NZ for multiple years, they’ve accumulated over 85 awards. Their Mango Lassi Vegan Gelato won supreme gelato champion at the 2024 NZ Ice Cream and Gelato Awards, with judges so impressed they questioned whether it was truly vegan. These aren’t just pretty trophies; they represent genuine quality and innovation in every scoop.
Hannah’s journey to gelato excellence began at the prestigious Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, Italy. After working with major players like Fonterra, she left the corporate world to pursue her gelato dream, opening her first innovation hub in 2017. Today, Little Lato has expanded across New Zealand, but each location maintains the same commitment to authentic Italian methods and creative flavour exploration.
The flavour philosophy at Little Lato centres on curiosity, surprise, and imaginative fusion. Expect the unexpected, from spiced gelato loaded with Christmas pudding chunks to pink champagne paired with pink macarons. Their collaborations with beloved Kiwi brands like Griffins Biscuits showcase their innovative spirit. Every small batch is handcrafted and churned to velvety, silky perfection.
Little Lato truly caters to everyone. Their extraordinary range includes gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan options that taste just as imaginative and delicious as their traditional gelatos. Whether you’re after classic pistachio, adventurous speculoos, or their award-winning dairy-free creations, each flavour demonstrates why Little Lato has become a destination for gelato lovers throughout New Zealand.
