OpenThe Sands Brewery Bar & Kitchen
643 Rocks Road, Moana, Nelson 7011, New Zealand
Welcome to The Sands Fish and Chip Shop
The Sands Fish and Chip Shop stands as a beloved local institution in Tāhunanui, with over 60 years of serving mouthwatering fish and chips. Located right by the beach, it's a go-to spot for families, friends, and food lovers. The new building captures the spirit of the old while providing modern amenities. What sets it apart is its commitment to accessibility, offering gluten-free options, and a focus on quality ingredients. Open every day, including holidays, it makes enjoying crispy fish and hot chips a yearly delight.
Welcome to The Sands Fish and Chip Shop, a beloved destination at Tahuna Beach with over 60 years of tradition serving delicious fish and chips. Our newly built shop retains its rich history while offering modern comforts, including outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi. Open daily from 11:30 AM, including Christmas and New Year’s Day, we proudly feature over 35 gluten-free options alongside our classic menu. Easily accessible by bike, bus, or car, we cater to everyone with wheelchair-friendly facilities. Keep it refreshing with our selection of cold, sugar-free drinks. Join us and experience why we’ve earned multiple awards, including the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Delivery
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Seating
Table service
Atmosphere
Casual
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
Generous portion sizes keep customers returning. As one patron put it, you get way more than what you pay for. The crispy bites of blue cod and golden brown chips rank high on flavor, making it hard to resist coming back. Customers love the variety and quality of the gluten-free options, which cater impressively to those with dietary restrictions. The inviting atmosphere radiates community spirit, making it an excellent choice for families and groups. The friendly service consistently earns praise, adding a personal touch to every visit.
Most Disliked
A few visitors mention that seating can be limited during peak hours, especially on sunny weekends. Some patrons hope for enhanced indoor seating options, given the popularity of the shop. There are occasional comments regarding the wait times during busy days, as the demand sometimes exceeds the kitchen’s pace, although these rarely dampen overall satisfaction. A handful of reviews mention price hikes over the years, but most agree the value remains strong considering the generous portions and fresh quality of the food.
User Reviews
NB
Nichól B.
Absolute value for money and the owner/manager is super welcoming and friendly! Got way more than we paid for, portions are generous. Food was delicious and they had gluten free options for our celiac teen 👌🏻
JM
Julia M.
Googled best fish and chips in Nelson and boy did it not lie. Best fish and chips ive had in a long time. Great price great portion.
KG
Kim-marie G.
This place was the best. Great fish and chips. You will not be disappointed and the price are good.
NS
Nina S.
The chips a golden brown, the fish a good portion with a this crispy batter, price was good too. Friendly service. So good, we had to come back just a few days later. And to take the parcel across the road, eat while watching the sunset? Perfection!
Gr
Greta
Delicious food and easy to order. Great service - staff are very friendly and gave us extra portions :)
AC
Allister C.
Fantastic Fish and Chips from The Sands. Crunchy tasty batter and the freshest fish we have ever had from a fish and chip shop.
RL
Rich L.
Excellent fish & chips with great service. Stayed open late to accommodate us - thanks!
Add Your Review
Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sands Fish and Chip Shop opens every day at 11.30 AM, including holidays like Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Yes, The Sands offers more than 35 gluten-free options, including all burgers and several seafood items.
The shop features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking. It's easy to reach whether by walking from the beach, cycling, or taking public transport.
The Sands offers casual dining suitable for lunch and dinner, with options for takeaway and delivery. Outdoor seating is also available.
Why visit The Sands Fish and Chip Shop
The Sands Fish and Chip Shop is a must-visit for anyone wanting to enjoy an authentic taste of New Zealand’s coastal cuisine. Its exceptional commitment to gluten-free offerings sets it apart in the area. Foodies will relish the chance to dine on award-winning dishes while watching the sunset across the beach—a perfect evening plan. The casual atmosphere provides a welcoming vibe for solo diners, families, and groups. Plus, with the convenience of takeaway or outdoor seating, it's easy to grab a bite to eat after a beach day. Don't overlook the friendly staff, who are known for their warmth and speedy service.
