Fergburger
Fergburger
Description
In Queenstown, Fergburger is more than just a restaurant—it's a landmark institution that has become integral to the town's identity. Located in the heart of this adventure tourism hub, its 24-hour operation perfectly suits the town's energetic, round-the-clock atmosphere. The restaurant's popularity creates a consistent buzz on Shotover Street, with queues often becoming social experiences themselves where travelers share tips and stories.
Dietary Information
Milk
Eggs
Wheat
Soy
Sesame
Vegetarian
Optional
Vegan
Optional
This dish contains gluten
Serving information
Serving style
Served wrapped in branded paper with the option to eat at limited counter seating, take away, or enjoy at nearby lakefront or Queenstown Gardens.
Quick facts
Nearly 24 hours - typically 8 AM to 5 AM daily, with possible extensions during extremely busy periods.
Safety Tips
What to Look For
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Staff wearing gloves and following hygiene protocols
Fergburger maintains high standards, with staff regularly changing gloves between handling different foods and money.
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Properly cooked patties with no pink center (unless requested medium)
Burgers should be thoroughly cooked to eliminate potential pathogens while maintaining juiciness.
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Clean eating area and fresh serving papers/containers
Even during extremely busy periods, the staff maintain cleanliness of their service area and use fresh wrapping for each order.
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Proper refrigeration of toppings at the prep station
Fresh ingredients should be properly stored in refrigerated units at the preparation counter, especially during hot summer days.
What to avoid
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Leaving your burger unrefrigerated for extended periods
If you're not eating immediately after purchase, refrigerate your burger within an hour, especially in warm weather.
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Undercooked patties if you have a compromised immune system
While some may request medium burgers, those with health concerns should ensure their patties are thoroughly cooked.
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Assuming ingredients aren't allergenic
Many Fergburger sauces contain potential allergens like egg (aioli), dairy, or gluten. Always ask if you have allergies.
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Eating burgers that have been left out in the sun at the lakefront
Many take their burgers to eat by the lake - in summer, don't leave them sitting in sunlight for extended periods before consuming.
Price information
Price range
Budget tips
- Basic beef Fergburger costs approximately 12-15 NZD, while specialty options like 'Big Al' or venison burgers range from 17-25 NZD.
- The 'Fergburger with Cheese' offers excellent value around 14-16 NZD.
- Seasonal specials sometimes offer unique value with special ingredients.
- Avoid adding sides if on a budget - the burgers alone are extremely filling.
- Share a burger with a friend if you're a light eater - most can easily feed two.
Value indicators
- Extremely generous portion size compared to other Queenstown eateries.
- New Zealand-sourced premium ingredients.
- Freshly baked buns from their own Fergbaker next door.
- Made-to-order preparation ensuring freshness.
- Unique specialty options like venison ('Sweet Bambi') that showcase local ingredients.
Where to Find This Dish
Shotover Street
The sole Fergburger location is on Shotover Street, a main thoroughfare in central Queenstown. It's flanked by its sister establishments Fergbaker and Mrs. Ferg Gelateria.
Fergbaker, Mrs. Ferg Gelateria, Beach Street intersection, Close to Queenstown Mall
Early Morning, Late Afternoon, Late Night
Vendor Tips
- Phone ahead to +64 3-441 1232 to place an order and skip the main queue.
- During peak season, place your order then explore nearby shops while waiting.
- Check at Fergbaker next door for excellent meat pies if the Fergburger queue is too long.
- Ask about the 'special of the day' which might not be on the regular menu.
How to Order
Regional Variations
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Southern Swine
(Southern Swine)
A Queenstown special featuring a New Zealand prime beef patty with American streaky bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, and tomato relish.
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Cockadoodle Oink
(Cockadoodle Oink)
A Queenstown favorite with both chicken breast and American streaky bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, and tomato relish.
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Little Lamby
(Little Lamby)
Showcasing New Zealand's famous lamb, with a prime New Zealand lamb patty, mint jelly, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, and tomato relish.
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Tropical Swine
(Tropical Swine)
A Hawaiian-influenced variation with New Zealand prime beef, bacon, cheese, pineapple, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, and tomato relish.
Cultural context
History
Established in 2001, Fergburger began as a small hole-in-the-wall operation on Cow Lane in Queenstown. The business quickly gained popularity through word-of-mouth among locals and visitors, eventually moving to its current larger location on Shotover Street in 2005. Despite opportunities to franchise or expand globally, the owners have maintained a single-location philosophy, contributing to its mystique and exclusivity. The brand has expanded only to include sister establishments Fergbaker and Mrs. Ferg Gelateria, located adjacent to the original burger shop.
Local significance
Fergburger has become synonymous with Queenstown itself, achieving iconic status that extends beyond food to become part of the visitor experience. It represents the town's blend of high-quality offerings with a laid-back, adventurous attitude. For many locals, its consistent quality through massive growth has made it a point of town pride.
Eating customs
- In summer, taking burgers to eat by the lake is extremely popular.
- During winter, either eat quickly at the counter seating or take back to accommodation before it gets cold.
- Many enjoy the 'full Ferg experience' by getting a burger, then dessert from Fergbaker or Mrs. Ferg.
- Due to the size, it's common to cut burgers in half before eating.