Wellington Trawling and Sea Market

Tony Basile was part of a group that bought this business in 1979 and soon took over the running of the whole operation. Tony is a second-generation Italian whose father Antonio and Uncle Mariano emigrated from Sorrento, Italy, in the 1920s and worked as Island Bay fisherman.

Over the last 33 years, the Wellington Trawling and Sea market has responded to changes in public taste and habits. Its smokehouse closed because its emissions became unpopular in this built-up area and, in the 1970s as the demand for whole fish or fillets with the skin and backbones attached waned and that of fully filleted portions grew, filleting and other ways of preparing fish for sale took place in the factory.

The fish prepared and sold by Wellington Trawling and Sea market is caught by contract fishermen who sell their quota to Tony. Some have been supplying fish to this business for 10 to 20 years. This fish is still landed fresh at Wellington port.

The retail fish shop on this Cuba Street site was opened in 2000. The Wellington Trawling and Seamarket has two other stores, one in Lambton Quay and the other in Lower Hutt. Fresh fish and crayfish are exported from the factory to Australia and the West Coast of America and frozen goods are sent afield.

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Store locations

For over 20 years our flagship store on Cuba Street has prided itself on fresh fish landing daily, experienced staff and quality products. Whether it’s classic Fish n Chips, or recommendations on seafood options or cooking tips, we have you covered!

Store Hours

Monday – Tuesday
8:00am - 8:00pm

Wednesday – Thursday
8:00am - 8:30pm

Friday – Sunday
8:00am -9:00pm

Cuba Street

Nestled in the heart of the CBD, the Lambton Quay shop is the perfect for while you’re out and about. Fresh fish landing daily and classic Fish n Chips. The team are exceptionaly knowledgeable about seafood and arealways up for a chat, especially Salvi!

Store Hours

Monday – Thursday
8:00am - 6:00pm

Friday
8:00am - 7:00pm

Saturday & Sunday
Closed

Lambton Quay

Wellington Seamarket Lower Hutt is a unique shop. Stocked full of a wide range of fresh whole fish, Lee and his team cut and prepare the fish to your liking right in front of you. Can’t get more fresh than that! This is a great opportunity to try one of your favourite fish is a different style.

Store Hours

Fresh Fish Store Hours

Sunday – Friday
9:00am - 5:30pm

Saturday
8:30am - 5:30pm

Fish and Chip Store Hours

Monday
Closed

Sunday – Wednesday
11:00am - 7:30pm

Saturday
11:00am - 8:00pm

Fish & Chips

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Fish & Chips

Fresh Fish

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Fresh Fish

Testimonials

Wallace MacIntyreGoogle review

“By far, it is the best fresh wet fish market in Wellington. Not to mention the iconic
Fish & Chips, dine in or takeaway. If you're a tourist, a backpacker with a taste for
quality, fresh Fish & Chips this is a must.”

EddieGoogle review

I was looking for a fish and chips lunch and came across Wellington Seamarket on
Cuba Street.

Ordered crumbed fish and some potato fritters. The batter was light and crispy without the greasiness that often comes with deep fried food.

Service was good and fast. Eat in at the tables on site or take away. During my visit, I thought a good sign of the quality and value of their offering was the number of locals which came in store to buy fresh seafood.

Josie SwanGoogle review

We are so fortunate that we have the Seamarket. Wellington icon.


Beautiful fresh fish. Let’s not forget their awesome fish and chips.
Thanks team❤️

Kevin James van DuurenGoogle review

Best place in Wellington City centre, to get fish and chips and of course a great selection of fresh fish.

The staff members are friendly and welcome to inform you about the products. I really recommend this place to visit and enjoy the best fresh fish products. Cheers.

Shipping

We pack your Fresh Seafood Delivery with ice and transport it in our chilled vansaround the Wellington region. For orders outside of Wellington, we cool your productdown to BELOW ZERO, pack it with Ice in a polystyrene box and ship with reliablecouriers we both can trust.

Returns

Although we follow strict Quality Control Procedures, we understand that there couldbe times something is not right about your order. In any case, please contact uswithin 24 hours of receiving the product. From there we can work on making thingsright!

Pickup

At this stage, we are only doing Pick Up options for Fish & Chip orders as ourSeafood Home Delivery is dispatched from our Export Grade Processing Facility.