Fish and chips is New Zealand's soul food. Families grab takeaways for a relaxed weekend dinner, or eat them straight from the wrapper in a park — it's a food tradition woven deep into Kiwi life. Among Wellington's many fish and chip shops, one name comes up again and again as "the best in Wellington": Mt Vic Chippery.
I went to try it for myself. The verdict? The best fish and chips I've ever eaten.
What Is Mt Vic Chippery?
Tucked into a residential street in the Mount Victoria (Mt Vic) neighborhood, this small fish and chip shop has been a local favorite for years, earning high praise from Wellington foodies and food writers alike. The exterior is modest, but inside it's clean and the staff are friendly.
Their style is "simple, but no compromises." The fish is fresh and New Zealand-caught, and they're meticulous about the batter, the frying oil, and the quality of the potatoes.
How to Order
The menu is posted at the counter. When ordering fish and chips, you choose the following:
- Type of fish: Tarakihi or Hoki — both fresh, NZ-caught
- Type of batter: Beer Batter or Gluten-Free (GF) Batter
- Type of fries: Go for the Hand-cut chips — they're in a different league from frozen fries
- Sauce: Tartare, lemon, ketchup, and more
My Recommended Order
Hoki with beer batter, hand-cut chips, and tartare sauce — around NZ$16–17.
The hoki is soft and fluffy, and the beer batter fries up perfectly crispy for an incredible texture. The hand-cut chips are crunchy outside and fluffy inside — nothing like the pre-made kind. The tartare sauce is homemade and rich. At $16–17, honestly, that's excellent value.
Takeaway or Eat In?
Mt Vic Chippery is takeaway-only, but there's a standing area outside the shop. Even better, carry your order to nearby Majoribanks Street Park or up to the Mt Victoria Lookout for an impromptu picnic — one of the best Wellington experiences going.
From the Mt Vic Lookout, you get a spectacular panorama of Wellington Harbour and the city. Eat your fish and chips up there and you're living the New Zealand food culture experience to the fullest.
Busy Times and Waits
It's a popular spot, so expect crowds at times. In particular:
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings (5–7pm): The busiest window. Waits can exceed 30 minutes
- Weekday lunch (12–1pm): Moderately busy
- Weekday afternoons (2–4pm): Relatively quiet — the best time to go
Even with a wait, it's worth it. Use the time in line to study the menu and settle on your order.
New Zealand's Fish and Chips Culture
Fish and chips arrived in New Zealand from Britain, and dedicated shops — known locally as a "chippery" or "chip shop" — can be found all over the country.
They're a casual, grab-and-go affair, much like a neighborhood deli, and prices are affordable (around NZ$10–20). For many Kiwis, a trip to the chippery about once a week is just part of everyday life.
The combo (fish plus chips) is the most common order at a typical shop, but you'll also find staples like battered sausages, potato pies, and spring rolls on the menu.
Other Fish and Chip Shops in Wellington
Beyond Mt Vic Chippery, Wellington has plenty of other excellent fish and chip options:
- Fryday Fish & Chips: A popular spot near the city
- Charley Noble: A sit-down restaurant option on the waterfront
Essential Information
- Address: 5 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington
- Getting there: About a 10-minute walk from Courtenay Place
- Hours: 11:30am–8:30pm, Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays)
- Payment: Cards accepted
For lunch or dinner during your Wellington visit, make time for fish and chips at Mt Vic Chippery. It's the perfect introduction to what New Zealand's soul food can really be.