The Sands Fish and Chip Shop is a fish and chip shop at Shop 1, The Sands Complex, 623 Rocks Road, Tāhunanui, Nelson, by Tahuna Beach. It has a 4.1 rating from 792 Google reviews. Its website says it has served fish and chips for over 60 years, in a newer building with outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi, and that it opens daily from 11:30am, including Christmas and New Year's Day. It lists fresh blue cod, oysters, hot dogs and over 35 gluten-free options, and says it is wheelchair friendly. The phone number given is +64 3 539 6161.
Good fish and chips depend on fresh fish, hot clean oil and a crisp batter, and the best moment to eat them is straight from the fryer. Beach shops are busiest at summer lunch and dinner and on fine weekends, so ordering a little before the rush shortens the wait. Fish such as blue cod or hoki each have a different texture, so ask which is freshest that day. If you avoid gluten, check how the fryer is used. Eating by the beach is part of the appeal, but gulls will steal chips, so keep the paper closed.
For a classic fish and chip feed by the beach in Tāhunanui, The Sands is a long-standing choice.