Fish and chips is one of those simple pleasures at the core of our Kiwi culture, particularly when enjoyed on the beach (or at least somewhere in the great outdoors). Serving up some seriously gratifying situations, we’ve matched Auckland’s best fish and chip purveyors with the most scenic spots around town to devour them.
Fishsmith
Address: 200 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Eaten at: Sentinel Beach
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Herne Bay’s takeaway joint is the ‘supper’ stop you want in on. Whether it’s the classic order or the tasty tacos with fresh slaw, cart it down to nearby Sentinel Beach for a memorable seaside picnic.
Catch a Fish
Address: 6/64 Gladstone Road, Parnell
Eaten at: Judges Bay, Parnell
Get a hit of battered goodness (mind you, we hear the mushy peas are excellent too) at this Gladstone Road pitstop before devouring either in the romance of the Rose Gardens, or the picturesque Judges Bay.
Market Galley at the Auckland Fish Market
Address: 22 Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD
Eaten at: the Tidal Steps
Market Galley heralds sophisticated seafood dishes, such as grilled Big Glory Bay salmon and poached prawns alongside family favourites like beer-battered snapper and salt and pepper squid. Order up and stroll down to the Tidal Steps to take in Auckland’s seaside skyline.
Kohi Fresh Fish and Takeaways
Address: 41 Melanesia Rd, Kohimarama
Eaten at: Kohi Beach
Run by the same family for more than 27 years, this local spot is hugely popular for its fresh fish and burgers, which does mean you should probably phone ahead to order. Take your paper-wrapped bundles to the beach down the path opposite the tennis courts and make the most of a breezy summer evening.
Ki Māha Beach Store
Address: 1 Fourth Avenue, Onetangi Beach, Waiheke Island
Eaten at: Onetangi Beach or Ki Māha
Ki Māha by Dominique Parat is an artfully designed restaurant with a sun-soaked front deck and panoramic views. Now, the beloved eatery has added a fish & chip menu to the mix for summer. Continuing their commitment to serving sustainably harvested seafood and locally sourced produce, the offering features Waiheke Island oysters, calamari, fish tacos and market fish beer battered, crumbed or grilled — best enjoyed out front on Onetangi Beach.
Tipene’s Takeaways
Address: 648b New North Road, Morningside
Eaten at: Fowlds Park
There’s something for everyone at hidden, city-fringe gem Tipene’s Takeaways, with a bounty of the freshest catch available, burger buns made daily by a local bakery and house-made sauces. We would recommend trying the mixed portion of chips with both potato and kūmara and (if you’re feeling particularly indulgent), the deep-fried Oreos with cinnamon sugar. Utterly delicious.
The Local
Address: 151 Oceanview Rd, Oneroa
Eaten at: Oneroa Beach, Waiheke
The most dependable takeaway stop on the island happens to be only a stone’s throw from the lovely Oneroa Beach. So get your order in (not forgetting the delicious pineapple fritters) and meander down below to enjoy.
The Fish & Chip Shop
Address: 127 West End Road, Westmere
Eaten at: Westmere Park
Ranked among the best — as per the various awards noted on the website — if you’re looking for a quiet location to enjoy some classic fish and chips, this seaside suburb’s namesake park is it.
Nate’s Plaice
Address: 411 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn
Eaten at: Grey Lynn Park
This West Lynn local has quickly cemented itself as some of the best takeaways in the postcode. And while we’re told it offers an inspired burger menu, we’ve never been able to resist the classics. Here, the fish is as fresh as it gets (thanks to local supplier Kiwifish), the batter is perfectly crispy, and the chips are just the right amount of chunky. The addition of coleslaw might just be some of the best we’ve had too — so refreshing and delicious. While we’d happily eat these from the comfort of our own backyard, we suggest dusting off a picnic blanket and basking in the sun at nearby Grey Lynn park.
Fish & Chip Shop
Address: 22 The Promenade, Takapuna
Eaten at: Takapuna Beach
While there is no shortage of exceptional fish & chipperies in Auckland, another is always welcome — particularly when an eatery as exceptional as Takapuna Beach Cafe is on the tools. To celebrate the longer, warmer days, this go-to eatery has launched a pop-up shop for the summer, serving delicious beachside takeaways all summer long — best enjoyed across the road on Takapuna Beach.
The Chip Shop
Address: 711 Manukau Road, Royal Oak
Eaten at: Cornwall Park, Epsom
Renowned for its gluten-free menu (we can vouch for the oysters), stop in to place a generous order before winding your way through Maungakiekie and finding a quiet position in the romantic landscape of Cornwall Park.
Lobster & Tap
Address: 22 Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD
Eaten at: Auckland Fish Market
While it might not be traditional fish and chips, we would like to argue that this is a version of the classic that is perfect for when you’re craving something a little different. And really, the offering at Auckland Fish Market’s Lobster & Tap is too divine to pass up. Here, the crown jewel is the Hot Buttered Lobster Roll, which is indeed hot and buttery, and utterly delicious. We’d always suggest getting this as a combo, where the chips are perfectly cooked, and the more virtuous coleslaw and pickle sides are essential additions.
Takapuna Fish & Chip Shop
Address: 444 Lake Rd, Takapuna
Eaten at: Takapuna Beach
The online reviews say everything you need to know about this highly-recommended takeaway joint. Some say it’s “the best on the Shore”. Do what you need to do (they’ll cook anything that’s fresh), and take your bounty to Takapuna Beach to accompany it with that view of Rangitoto.
