Overview

W5 Fish & Chips, nestled at 493a Papanui Road in Christchurch, delivers a fresh and authentic take on the classic New Zealand takeaway favorite. This spot stands out not only for its quality fish and chips but also for the warmth and professionalism of its staff, creating an inviting atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.

The heart of W5's appeal lies in its commitment to freshness and craftsmanship. Unlike typical takeaway joints where food may sit under heat lamps, here the fish is freshly battered on order and fried with great precision. The use of tallow for frying instead of canola oil imparts a distinct, rich flavor and an irresistibly crisp texture to the golden fillets. The fish itself, including options like gurnard and standard fillets, boasts moist, tender flesh encased in a perfectly light batter.

Complementing the fish are chips that balance a lightly crispy exterior with a fluffy interior, seasoned just right to enhance their natural taste. The menu caters to those seeking quick bites as well as casual dine-in experiences, supported by a clean, tidy space and a selection of freshly made drinks that add variety to the meal.

Customer experiences highlight the friendly, lively service—particularly from standout employees who add a personal touch that enhances the visit. The approachable and engaging staff, including the ever-smiling manager, ensure every customer feels welcomed and valued, elevating the overall dining environment.

W5 Fish & Chips excels as a destination for anyone craving top-quality fish and chips in Christchurch, whether for a takeaway meal or a relaxed sit-down. Its attention to detail in cooking, combined with a genuine passion for hospitality, makes it a must-visit for seafood lovers of all ages looking for an honest, satisfying meal.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Offerings
Quick bite
Atmosphere
Casual

What Customers Say

lily bo
Mar 25,2026
5/5
W5 is the best fish and chip shop in chch!!! the lady that works behind the counter is an absolute gem. she is the kindest bubbliest person i’ve ever encountered. the food is also phenomenal and very well priced!
Sung Eun Bae
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Absolutely outstanding fish and chips. Nothing was pre-cooked — the fish was freshly battered to order and fried with real precision. I even watched the chef checking the temperature of each piece, which explains why the result was perfect: a crisp, golden exterior and beautifully juicy flesh inside. The chef is properly trained and qualified in cookery. I’m genuinely impressed. This is easily the best fish and chips I’ve had.
Shannon Dobson
Mar 25,2026
5/5
visited this cute new shop, food was delicious and prices were good. they have take away or dine in option which is nice. the owner and staff were all super friendly. they also had a great range of freshly made drinks to buy. i will be back to try more things on the menu
Tom Mills
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Very good fish and chips. The fish (gurnard and standard fillet) was cooked perfectly and the batter was light and super crispy. The chips were well seasoned, crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The shop was very clean and tidy and the staff were super friendly. Highly recommend.
Arthur Strydom
Mar 25,2026
5/5
The food is delicious, the atmosphere is extremely pleasant, and the service is amazing (especially Avo, the employee with the dyed hair). They fry in tallow not canola oil, which makes a huge positive difference to the quality of the food. The manager Helena is always smiling and friendly, and the shop is always clean and well maintained. I cannot recommend them highly enough, this is a place worth going out of your way to eat at.
JN Tan
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Nondescript shop but decided to try after seeing the fantastic Google reviews. After having tried a few fish and chips shop, we weren't disappointed! This was our 2nd time back in 3 days We really liked the batter they used, it's really fresh and light. Get the Blue Cod!
Kaylee Schipani
Mar 25,2026
4/5
Very clean shop, kind staff, good food. Cool change-up from your normal fish&chip vibe. Pretty tasty pineapple burger, fish burger looked bomb (perfectly battered crispy fish). Ordered 1 scoop of chips & my friend had 1/2 a scoop, yet the came in the same size container with the same amount of chips, so not sure about that one.
Rachel Trangmar
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Amazing meal from here tonight. Regular fish combo of 2 very large fish and a sizeable ½ portion or chips for $12.50 was an absolute steal for fresh fish battered and cooked to order (literally watched them take the fish out of the fridge and batter it fresh in front of me). Super clean and well maintained store with delightfully friendly staff. Our new regular for sure

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
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