A Mr Whippy soft serve operation at the skate ramp on Tāhunanui Beach in Nelson, part of a New Zealand brand that began in 1964. The brand was founded in the UK in 1958 by Dominic Facchino, and its first New Zealand fleet of 24 trucks arrived in time for summer 1964. Its vans have used pink and cream colours, and a Greensleeves tune was used to tell people the van was nearby. In the early 1980s the brand became a franchise system, and the vans are now Ford Transits run by local operators.
The brand's events service covers birthdays, weddings, school galas, family barbecues, corporate promotions and fundraising. Its merchandise includes retro t-shirts, hoodies, tea towels and toot bags. The number 0800 4 Whippy puts callers in touch with the local operator. Our pick at Tāhunanui for a summer cone by the beach.