Overview
Fergburger is Queenstown's cult burger institution, famous for enormous burgers and the ever-present queue stretching along Shotover Street. Open 21 hours a day, it has become as much a Queenstown landmark as the surrounding mountains.
Highlights
- The Ferg Burger: The signature beef burger with a massive hand-formed patty, salad, aioli, and tomato relish in a freshly baked bun.
- Sweet Ass Ferg: A venison burger featuring local South Island game — uniquely New Zealand.
- The Queue: The famous queue is part of the experience — it moves quickly and gives you time to study the extensive menu.
History
Opened in 2001 by former ski bum Jamie Frew, Fergburger started as a tiny window counter. Word of mouth and backpacker recommendations made it legendary. Despite multiple offers to franchise, it has remained a single-location operation.
Visitor Tips
- Late Night: The queue is shortest late at night or early morning — the kitchen runs until 5 AM.
- Ferg Bakery: Next door, Ferg Bakery serves excellent pastries, pies, and doughnuts for breakfast.
- Duration: 30–45 minutes including queue.