Our History

1926

The story begins in 1926, when our English born founder, Frederick Charles Rush Munro arrived in Hawkes Bay New Zealand. Having learnt the confectionary trade from his Father in England and armed with just 10 pounds in his pocket, he set up shop with his wife Catherine, on 26th May in central Hastings.

 They rented a small shop, hired a coke-fired stove and began to make sweets. They opened with seven varieties of toffee and candy for sale – by that evening they had sold the lot. Gradually the range expanded to include 100% natural, real-fruit ice-creams fruit drinks and chocolates, all made to Rush Munro’s own recipes.


1931

The original shop fell victim to the devastating Hawke's Bay earthquake, but much of the stock was salvaged and used to help in the relief operation.

Within 30 days of the catastrophe, Rush Munro’s was in operation again, this time at the present site here in Heretaunga Street Hastings – at first a tent served as a temporary shop. The new premises gradually evolved into today's Ice Cream Gardens which have become a world famous Hawkes Bay landmark and family tradition.


Present Day

Rush Munro’s is now New Zealand’s oldest Ice Cream producer and is ‘Our National Treasure’. Over 94 years in the making, Rush Munro’s traditionally delicious Ice Cream is still delighting New Zealanders.

Our Ice Cream is still hand made in Hawke’s Bay using traditional recipes pioneered by founder Frederick Rush Munro and our ingredients are all natural, including whole cream and real fruit.

Rush Munro’s is now owned by a local Hawke’s Bay family, the Curries. As the fifth Hawke’s Bay family to own this New Zealand icon, they are passionate about retaining Rush Munro’s heritage as the quintessential “Kiwi” Ice Creamery known and loved by generations.  Vaughan, Sharon, Sasha & Ben look forward to greeting you next time you visit the Rush Munro’s Ice Cream Gardens.