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24 March 2025
Christchurch's best fish & chips
Discover the best fish and chips in Christchurch & Banks Peninsula, from traditional local favourites to gourmet experiences. Find your perfect spot!
Where to find the best fish & chips in Christchurch & Banks Peninsula
A classic New Zealand summer isn't complete without fish and chips, and Ōtautahi Christchurch is home to an incredible selection of spots serving up this Kiwi favourite. Whether you're after traditional takeaways for a beach picnic or a more upmarket dining experience, here are our top picks – loved by locals for very good reason.
Where do Christchurch locals go for classic fish & chips?
Looking for classic Kiwi fish and chips done right? These local favourites serve up generous portions, perfectly crispy batter, and hand-cut chips that keep locals coming back.
Fresco Fisheries - Upper Riccarton
A long-standing Christchurch hot spot, Fresco Fisheries at Church Corner Shopping Centre has been serving up what many locals call "some of the best fish and chips in New Zealand," for decades.
They're all about the small details and have the perfect crisp ratio because of the flour they use, which has been tried and tested by the owner himself. They receive fresh fish deliveries daily, but their blue cod is a standout.
Good for:
- Families looking for great value
- Those who appreciate traditional Kiwi fish and chips
- Seriously good chips
- A variety of salt flavour options
Burger Stop - Sumner
Located just a two-minute walk from Sumner Beach, Burger Stop is a family-run gem serving restaurant-quality gourmet burgers alongside excellent fish and chips.
Their menu features a wide variety of burger options (their fish burger is a must-try!) to cater to all tastes, and their oysters also come highly recommended! The fish and chips are perfectly cooked and not greasy, with both shoestring and kumara chips available. Locals praise the friendly service, with many saying they can't go anywhere else after trying Burger Stop.
Good for:
- Gourmet burgers at fish and chip shop prices
- Post-beach meals with quality ingredients
- Both classic fish and chips and innovative burger options
Captain Bens - Upper Riccarton
Popular with university students and locals alike, Captain Bens offers fantastic value with generous portions and a diverse menu that goes beyond fish and chips.
Located near the University of Canterbury, Captain Bens serves thick fish with light, crispy batter alongside Chinese takeaway options and burgers. The combination menu and affordable prices have made this a student favourite for years.
Good for:
- Students
- Those wanting variety (Chinese food + fish and chips)
- Quick, affordable family meals
- Big appetites with generous serving sizes
Urban Seafoods - Halswell
Ranked number one in Stuff's consumer survey, Urban Seafoods is considered by many to be one of the best fish and chip shops in Christchurch.
Serving fresh fish cooked to order in light batter, Urban Seafoods uses brioche buns for their burgers, natural cheese, and fresh meat patties, with all products locally sourced from New Zealand. Their kumara chips are particularly popular, as well as their chicken burgers, which are packed with crispy chicken. All meals are served in boxes with fresh lemon, which adds a premium touch.
Good for:
- Those seeking top-tier fish and chips at an affordable price
- Restaurant-quality food you can take home
- Gourmet burger lovers
- Big portion sizes
Bower Fish Supply - Avondale
A local favourite praised across the 'Christchurch Fish & Chips' Facebook group (20,000+ members), Bower Fish Supply is known for generous portions and hand-cut chips that taste like they're cooked in butter.
With big pieces of fish, perfectly crispy batter, and some of the best chips in the city, Bower Fish Supply offers excellent value for money. The fish bites are a revelation, and locals love the homemade meat patties and wontons.
Good for:
- Huge portions for hungry families
- Hand-cut chip enthusiasts
- New Brighton beachgoers
- Excellent value for money
Red Snapper - Sumner
A local go-to and a great place to grab some kai to eat on the beach.
A trip to the seaside is always made better with fish and chips to fill your belly after a hot day in the sun. Red Snapper in Sumner has long been a hot spot with locals and visitors alike. The addition of an on-site filleting room means that customers can purchase the freshest seafood every day. Grab some takeaways to enjoy on the beach or eat onsite in their outside dining area.
Good for:
- Beach picnics at Sumner
- Buying fresh seafood to take home
- Families wanting outdoor dining
Cracroft Fresh Fried - Cashmere
A beloved spot for the Cashmere residents to grab some chippies and head for the hills!
Cracroft Fresh Fried is a fish and chip takeaway shop at the bottom of the hill in Cashmere and is very popular with those in the know. If you want classic fish and chips for the whole family, then this is the place for you. With an extensive menu and a range of fresh fish to choose from, Cracroft Fresh Fried has you covered.
Good for:
- Families planning Port Hills picnics
- Those wanting a wide selection of fresh fish
- Traditional, no-frills fish and chips
Where can I find unique fish & chips in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula?
Want to elevate your fish and chips experience? These spots offer something a little different – from premium sustainable seafood and Māori-inspired kai to British-style classics and waterfront dining.
Little Fish Co - Riverside Market
A go-to for inner city workers and tourists in the CBD who're after their fish and chip fix.
Little Fish Co serves up the freshest seafood in the heart of the city at Riverside Market.
Their passion is to provide a fresh ocean-to-plate experience, from the fisherman to the fishmonger, and then to the in-house chefs.
From your standard fish and chips to wraps and salad bowls, their menu offers something a little different.
Good for:
- CBD workers looking for a quick lunch
- Fresh seafood
- Those wanting more than just traditional fish and chips
- Tourists exploring Riverside Market
The Chippy - food truck
A well-known staple at events.
The Chippy food truck brings classic British-style fish and chips, served with all the trimmings. Think mushy peas, curry sauce and pickled eggs - it’s good innit.
Every fish fillet is cooked fresh to order, or for those that prefer something else, their battered halloumi or beef brisket loaded chips are to die for!
You can catch them at all the good events in Christchurch and surrounds.
Good for:
- Food festival and event-goers
- Those wanting authentic British accompaniments
- Trying something unique like battered halloumi
Fush - Wigram & Christchurch Airport
Fush is a whānau-owned and operated hospitality business that provides fresh and delicious kai to their manuhiri (guests) and the community. They are all about serving their people and are passionate about ensuring te reo Māori is accessible for everyone. From fresh kaimoana (seafood) to fried chicken and succulent burgers, there is something for everyone at Fush. You can dine in or takeaway at either of their locations.
Good for:
- Those wanting premium quality fish and chips
- Supporting Māori-owned businesses
- Learning te reo Māori in a casual setting
- Trying sustainable, locally sourced seafood
Akaroa Fish and Chips - Akaroa
A tourist hot spot, peruse the town in Akaroa and then eat with a view of the sea.
Akaroa Fish and Chips is famous for its fresh food and stunning waterfront location. Nothing beats a good chip, and Akaroa Fish and Chips certainly does some great ones – think the perfect crunch to potato ratio. This place is pumping throughout the year and for very good reason. Dine onsite overlooking the water or takeaway and eat on the beach!
Good for:
- Tourists visiting Akaroa
- Waterfront dining with harbour views
- Day trips to Banks Peninsula
- An easy and delicious lunch
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