Jenneke K.
Yelp
Not at all hard to find in the small town of Thames at the edge of the Coromandel Peninsula. It doesn't look like much at all; low-scale and simple, but apparently quite the favorite with the locals for their excellent fish and chips.
It is located on the oldest existing wharf in the area and it allows for stunning views of the water and trees.
It was just the place for us to have dinner after our drive from Auckland.
At this type of restaurant you order and pay at the counter; About 30 minutes later, someone comes and yells out the order number on your receipt and you receive your meal wrapped in paper at the table.
The food came so hot that it maintained it's temperature throughout the meal. Both the fish and chips (fries) were absolutely delectable; definitely among the best we've ever had.
As far as we were concerned, there was no necessity for sauces to accompany the meal, but if you wanted, you would need to count on paying a few extra $$.
An interesting phenomenon we noticed was the extreme low-tide, which left the boats in the small marina stuck in the mud. Apparently, when the tide comes in, the water level easily rises 12-15 ft. and laps up to the side of the wharf.
It appeared to us that Kiwi parents are very comfortable letting their kids balance on the 6" wide ledge, but the thought of a 5-year old tumbling down to the mud below nearly made my heart stop a few times.
All in all, we highly recommend this place for a simple but delicious meal for a reasonable price and a view that can't be beat.