OpenSeabreeze Fish and Chips Takeaways
51 Vanguard Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
Welcome to Haven Fish & Chips
Haven Fish & Chips serves up a delicious experience on Wakefield Quay in Nelson. This casual eatery specializes in classic fish and chips, where fresh fish meets crispy batter. Customers rave about the variety and quality, from gurnard to blue cod, and the chips are a perfect complement, crispy on the outside and soft inside. The vibe is relaxed, with outdoor seating and an accommodating atmosphere for families and solo diners alike. All options come with a budget-friendly price range of $10–20. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a laid-back meal, Haven offers an authentic taste of New Zealand's seaside culinary heritage.
Welcome to Haven Fish & Chips, your go-to destination for the ultimate fish and chips experience in Stepneyville, Nelson. Located at 268 Wakefield Quay, we pride ourselves on serving perfectly battered seafood, including blue cod, gurnard, and snapper, alongside golden French fries. Enjoy a casual dining atmosphere with options for lunch, dinner, and catering, ideal for families with a dedicated kids' menu. Whether you choose to dine in our wheelchair-accessible space or opt for takeaway, our friendly service ensures a delightful experience. With outdoor seating and convenient parking, we invite both locals and tourists to savor the best fish and chips in town!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Quick bite
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
The batter gets consistent praise from diners—it’s the perfect crisp without overwhelming the fresh fish inside. Visitors adore the variety of seafood, from the succulent gurnard to the delightful oysters. Those looking for a quick meal appreciate how quickly orders come out, with many reporting their food ready in just 10-15 minutes.
The cleanliness and care taken in meal preparation shine through, making this spot a favorite for hygiene-conscious diners. The casual vibe allows for unhurried enjoyment of the meal, which many consider a 'must-try' local experience.
Customers also love the option of takeaway, so you can enjoy your fish and chips while taking in the scenic quayside views. Ming's commitment to quality and taste genuinely reflects in every dish served.
Most Disliked
Some visitors mention the portion sizes as being smaller than expected, specifically for chips. While the emphasis is on quality, those craving size may feel slightly underwhelmed. It's important to adjust expectations.
A handful of customers express dissatisfaction with the level of service, noting it as minimalistic. Ming is dedicated to providing outstanding food, but the experience may feel somewhat rushed for those expecting a more conversational approach.
A few discussions around fish prices have appeared, as seafood costs can vary. It’s worth considering that the quality offered here often justifies the price, especially when compared to other options in town. Just be prepared for a price that’s a bit on the higher side.
User Reviews
MY
Mel Y.
These guys are the best! We live locally and have been coming here for years. Don't expect huge portions of chips, but everything is cooked to perfection. The owners know their trade and are reliable and open when you need them to be.
JN
Jagger N.
Traveling through Nelson and stopped for a bite. We almost didn’t come because of bad reviews, but we decided to go anyways and the fish and chips were the best we have ever had in our lives. Will come back to Nelson for these fish and chips. 5 stars, would rate it 6 if possible because of how good the food is.
AW
Audrey W.
Doesn't matter how long we are away, when we are back in Nelson a phone call order for our regular gurnard and a scoop is rapidly taken, ready in 10 - 15 mins tops. Ming is a one man wonder who opens 7 days a week lunch and dinner and this week was at the top of his game. Fresh fish, crispy batter and amazing chips. Give it a go and yes, fish is expensive, as is cooking oil, but it's such a treat.
CJ
C J.
Delish!, our takeaway was fast and tasty. Fish was excellent. this place is spotless, really clean. You can tell they care and it shows.
JO
Johny O.
Judging by the reviews, this place is a little misunderstood. The owners are actually very nice but don't give conventional "good service" and are there to provide great F&C, not talk about your day. As for the F&C, genuinely outstanding. Fresh fish on the counter daily and everything freshly battered right down to the hot dogs. And a real treat to still get a saveloy as a hot dog! Highly recommended. Delicious and open 7 days, lunch and dinner. How good!
EA
Eleanor A.
Best fish and chips I've had in a long time. Fast, matter of fact service. All you need.
TL
Trang L.
This place has the best fish & chips 🍟 I've ever had so far in NZ,
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Haven Fish & Chips operates every day of the week, so you can enjoy their offerings for lunch or dinner at your convenience.
Yes, there’s free parking both on the street and in a dedicated parking lot, making it easy to access this popular spot.
Don’t miss the blue cod and the gurnard, both cooked in a perfectly crispy batter. Pair it with a scoop of their delicious chips for a classic experience.
Absolutely! The restaurant offers a kids' menu and has a casual atmosphere, making it a great choice for family dining.
Yes, you can reserve a spot ahead of time, ensuring you have a table ready when you arrive.
Why visit Haven Fish & Chips
Haven Fish & Chips is more than just a meal; it's an experience that captures the spirit of Nelson. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, stopping here adds a delicious chapter to your travel stories. Don't shy away from customizing your order; experimenting with their various fish and chip combinations ensures you find your perfect fit.
Dining outdoors on a sunny day while overlooking the waterfront makes this place a prime destination. The scenic views make every meal more enjoyable, especially with the sounds and smells of the sea nearby. Plus, the family-friendly environment welcomes young diners with a special kids' menu.
Planning a family outing? Make a reservation to secure a spot during busy hours, especially on weekends. With reasonable prices between $10–20, Haven offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. Stop by for a memorable meal, and take a taste of New Zealand's coastal culinary culture home with you.
