Fergburger is an iconic gourmet burger restaurant located in Queenstown, New Zealand. Founded in 2001, it's become a cult food destination known for massive, high-quality burgers made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu features creative burger options from classic beef to vegetarian and seafood variations. Despite expanding their operation, they've maintained a single location on Shotover Street, contributing to their legendary status and often long queues.

Is Fergburger worth the wait?

Most visitors find Fergburger worth the wait for its genuinely high-quality, large, and flavorful burgers that live up to the hype. The premium ingredients, hand-formed patties, and freshly baked buns create a memorable burger experience. However, to minimize waiting, consider ordering by phone for pickup, visiting during off-peak hours (before noon or after 10 PM), or checking out their sister establishments Fergbaker or Mrs. Ferg Gelateria while waiting. The quality-to-price ratio is excellent by New Zealand standards.

How can I avoid the long queue at Fergburger?

To avoid Fergburger's famous queues: 1) Call ahead to place your order for pickup (+64 3-441 1232), 2) Visit during off-peak hours (before 11 AM or after 10 PM), 3) Go midweek rather than weekends, 4) Visit during shoulder seasons (autumn or spring) when tourist numbers are lower, 5) Use the Fergburger app or website for online ordering if available, or 6) Consider breakfast options which typically have shorter waits. Regardless of wait times, the ordering process is efficient once you reach the counter.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options at Fergburger?

Yes, Fergburger offers several vegetarian options, including their 'Holier than Thou' (tofu burger) and 'Bun Ladder' (falafel burger). Both can be modified to be vegan by requesting no aioli/sauce and no cheese. While the standard buns contain dairy, you can ask about vegan bread options. The kitchen handles meat products, so there may be some cross-contamination. For the most current vegetarian/vegan offerings, check their menu directly as options can change.

Is Fergburger safe for people with food allergies?

Fergburger can accommodate some dietary requirements, but caution is advised for severe allergies due to potential cross-contamination in their busy kitchen. Common allergens present include wheat (buns), dairy (cheese, sauces), eggs (aioli), sesame (buns), and soy (in some patties). Always clearly communicate your specific allergy when ordering, as staff are trained to handle allergy requests. For celiac disease or severe gluten allergies, be aware that while gluten-free buns may be available, the kitchen handles regular flour products throughout the day.

What's the best burger to order at Fergburger?

The most popular choice is the classic 'Fergburger' with prime New Zealand beef, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, and tomato relish - a perfect introduction to their style. For adventurous eaters, 'Sweet Bambi' (deer meat with Thai plum chutney) offers a uniquely New Zealand experience. Seafood lovers should try 'Codfather' with tempura cod. The 'Big Al' with double beef and bacon is legendary for very hungry visitors. Vegetarians rate the 'Holier than Thou' tofu burger highly. Staff are helpful with recommendations based on your preferences.

Fergburger in New Zealand: Smart Eating Tips

Dish information is from automated research and serves as a general guide. Ingredients, preparation, availability, price, safety, and cultural significance vary significantly by region, establishment, and over time. Always verify all details directly with the food provider, especially regarding allergies and dietary restrictions. See full disclaimers for food details.

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Description

While Fergburger is exclusively located in Queenstown, it has become a national icon representing New Zealand's growing gourmet food culture. The single-location strategy has helped maintain quality control and created a destination dining experience that tourists from across New Zealand and internationally make special trips to experience. Its reputation has spread far beyond Queenstown, making it one of the country's most recognized food establishments despite having just one location.

Dietary Information

Milk

Eggs

Wheat

Soy

Sesame

Vegetarian Optional

Vegan Optional

This dish contains gluten

Serving information

Serving style

Served in branded paper wrapping or takeaway containers. Can be eaten at limited counter seating or taken away to enjoy elsewhere in Queenstown, such as the lakefront.

Quick facts

Seasonal Availability

Available year-round, with seasonal special burgers occasionally appearing.

Safety Tips

What to Look For

Staff wearing gloves and following hygiene protocols
Fergburger maintains high standards, with staff regularly changing gloves between handling different foods and money.
Properly cooked patties with no pink center (unless requested medium)
Burgers should be thoroughly cooked to eliminate potential pathogens while maintaining juiciness.
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.
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

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.
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.
Assuming ingredients aren't allergenic
Many Fergburger sauces contain potential allergens like egg (aioli), dairy, or gluten. Always ask if you have allergies.
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

NZ$12,00 - NZ$25,00 NZD

~ $12,00 - $25,00 USD

~ €12,00 - €25,00 EUR

~ £12,00 - £25,00 GBP

Budget tips

Standard burgers range from 12-17 NZD, while specialty and double burgers cost 17-25 NZD.
The classic Fergburger offers the best value-to-size ratio at around 13-15 NZD.
Consider splitting a burger if you're a light eater - portions are very generous.
Add fries only if you're very hungry - the burgers alone are substantial.
Check for combo deals that might include fries or a drink at a discount.

Value indicators

Substantial portion size that could serve as a full meal.
Fresh, high-quality New Zealand-sourced ingredients.
Hand-formed patties made daily.
Freshly baked buns from their own bakery.
House-made sauces and relishes.

Where to Find This Dish

Queenstown CBD

The only Fergburger location is on Shotover Street in central Queenstown.

Nearby landmarks:

Shotover Street, Adjacent to Fergbaker and Mrs. Ferg Gelateria, Near Queenstown Mall

Best times:

Morning, Late Night

Vendor Tips

Call ahead to place your order for pickup to avoid the queue.
Staff can provide allergy information for all menu items.
Ask locals or staff for their favorite burger recommendations.

How to Order

I'd like to order a Fergburger, please.

I'd like to order a Ferg-bur-ger, please.

What do you recommend?

What do you rec-o-mend?

Can I get it without onions/cheese?

Can I get it with-out on-ions/cheese?

Can I get a vegetarian option?

Can I get a veg-e-tar-ian op-tion?

Is there a gluten-free bun available?

Is there a gloo-ten free bun a-vail-a-ble?

Regional Variations

Fergburger (Classic) (Fergburger)
The original burger featuring a prime New Zealand beef patty with lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, and tomato relish on a freshly baked bun. The benchmark Queenstown burger experience.
Big Al (Big Al)
A double-sized monster burger with two prime beef patties, bacon, cheese, two fried eggs, beetroot, lettuce, tomato, red onion, relish, and aioli. Not for the faint-hearted.
Sweet Bambi (Sweet Bambi)
Featuring wild Fiordland deer patty with Thai plum chutney, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and aioli. A uniquely New Zealand option showcasing local game meat.
Holier Than Thou (Holier Than Thou)
Vegetarian option with a tofu patty, spiced with Asian flavors, topped with sweet chili sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and aioli.
Bun Ladder (Bun Ladder)
Another vegetarian offering with a spiced chickpea, herb, and vegetable patty (falafel style), hummus, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, and relish.
Codfather (Codfather)
Featuring tempura battered cod fillet with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and tartare sauce. A seafood alternative to the meat options.

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 transcended being merely a restaurant to become a cultural institution and tourist attraction in its own right. It represents New Zealand's approach to food: unpretentious yet high-quality, using excellent local ingredients in a creative way. Its success without franchising embodies the independent Kiwi spirit.

Eating customs

Many people take their burgers to eat by Lake Wakatipu, especially in summer.
Burgers are best eaten fresh and hot, shortly after purchasing.
Expect to need extra napkins - these burgers are notoriously messy to eat.