Ice Cream Charlie – A Delicious Christchurch Tradition Since 1903
For more than 123 years, Ice Cream Charlie has been delighting generations of Cantabrians with the same iconic vanilla ice cream that has become part of Christchurch’s history.
What began in 1903 with Charlie selling ice cream from a cart on the streets of Christchurch, making every batch by hand behind his own home, has grown into one of New Zealand’s longest-standing family traditions. As demand grew, the business expanded into a larger factory, yet one thing never changed: the recipe that made Ice Cream Charlie famous.
Today, Sarah and Gareth Eddy are proudly at the helm of this much-loved Christchurch institution. As the newest custodians of the iconic brand, they understand they are not simply running an ice cream business. They are preserving a cherished piece of local history. While introducing a fresh chapter for Ice Cream Charlie, Gareth and Sarah remain committed to protecting the traditions that generations of Cantabrians know and love, ensuring every customer enjoys the same famous vanilla ice cream made using the original recipe and time-honoured methods.
Now produced in a purpose-built factory in Kaiapoi using the original equipment and traditional methods, every batch of Ice Cream Charlie still takes three days to make. The famous vanilla ices are crafted just as they were generations ago, creating the distinctive texture and flavour that has become synonymous with the brand. It’s a nostalgic treat that stands apart from ordinary supermarket ice cream, offering customers the same authentic experience they remember from childhood.
“People trust us because they know they’ll get the same Ice Cream Charlie they remember from years ago. We carry the love, the tradition, and the history of this business every single day. It’s incredibly special to see grandparents bringing their grandchildren in to share the same ice cream they enjoyed as children. Our job is to protect that legacy while creating new memories for the generations still to come.”
Sarah & Gareth – Owners
That commitment to consistency is what has earned the trust of generations. Many customers visit every week, while others make Ice Cream Charlie their very first stop whenever they return to Christchurch. Some even travel for hours simply to enjoy the taste they’ve loved since childhood.
Alongside the iconic Victoria Square cart in Christchurch, the business has also opened a second location in Kaiapoi. Situated at 77 Hilton Street, in the block of shops behind McDonald’s (between the SPCA Op Shop and Phone Cloud), the new store allows even more people to experience the legendary Ice Cream Charlie treat while supporting the continued growth of this 123-year-old Christchurch favourite.
https://www.icecreamcharlie.co.nz/
021 898 171