Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens

Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens in Kumeu has been growing strawberries for local and export markets for years, and the farm's gelateria is where families get to enjoy the results. The shop sells fresh strawberries alongside real fruit blended ice cream, frozen yoghurt, hand-crafted gelato, Belgian waffles, fresh fruit smoothies, and coffee — a line-up that gives everyone at the table something to deliberate over.

The pick-your-own operation runs seasonally, so it is worth checking ahead before planning a row-by-row adventure with small pickers in tow. Outside that season, the gelateria keeps things worthwhile on its own, and strawberries remain available in-store even when the fields are closed.

It suits families after a genuine farm-sourced treat rather than a manufactured experience — the kind of outing where the kids make a beeline for the ice cream counter and the grown-ups quietly do the same.