Archived: Burger Nation

Burger lovers, get ready for the best summer with the return of Burger Nation for 2026 kicking off this month!

Celebrating the best burgers that Aotearoa has to offer, the month-long showcase sees 307 eateries around the country serving up their own unique take on this most humble of culinary heroes. And with organisers out to reclaim the essence of what makes a great burger, the celebration sees everyone from classic takeaway joints to city bistros and steakhouses taking part.

Get your fix in the city centre from the participating eateries below: 

Andy's Burgers & Bar | Mr Crab 

The Krusty Krab could never. Crispy tempura soft shell crab with McClure's pickles, zesty leche de tigre, mayo, coleslaw, lettuce, onions, coriander and a cheeky red chilli kick. Get amongst it.

Chuffed | Golden Firebird

Crispy fried marinated chicken thigh stacked with smashed avocado, McClure's Pickles, fresh tomatoes, lemongrass chilli sour cream, all in our house made demi brioche buns.

Dr. Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co. | Dr Rudi's Hot Honey Chicken

Crispy chicken with a hot honey spicy glaze and honey pickled slaw, McClure's Garlic & Dill Pickles and smoky garlic mayo on a brioche bun and served with fries.

Forester Bar & Grill | Smashed Wagyu Beef Burger

Crispy-edged smashed wagyu beef patties with caramelised crust, dripping in melted American cheddar, balanced with sharp McClure's Pickles, bold mustard, and silky aioli. Served alongside house-made hand-cut fries for the ultimate indulgence in every bite.

The Brit | Pickled Pig

Pork belly, pickled apple cider sauce, McClure's Pickles, sticky chilli slaw, crispy bacon, peanut mayo and crackle on a brioche bun.

The CUT | The Cut Wagyu Beef Burger

Wagyu beef patty, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, special sauce, lettuce, tomato and McClure's Pickles on a brioche bun, served with fries.

Tyler St | Game Day Wagyu Burger

200g wagyu patty, cheese, McClure's Pickles, onion rings, bourbon and bacon jam on a brioche bun.

Wynyard Pavilion | Pork & Spiced Plum

Pork & prawn patty, cos lettuce, fried shallots, McClure's Sweet & Spicy Pickles with a spiced plum sauce.

The Birdcage Tavern 

The Obsidian Smash

Double smashed beef patties on a toasted charcoal bun, silky Gruyère cheese sauce and umami rich miso apple chutney, balanced with the sharp heat of wasabi chive aioli, maple brushed crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato and McClure's Sweet & Spicy Pickles. Served with fries.

The Coastal Crunch

Crispy coconut-panko crumbed snapper and scallop patty on a toasted brioche bun. Layered with an aromatic curry leaf mayo and a zesty kiwi ginger chutney. Topped with fresh fennel, apple slaw, wild rocket and McClure's Sweet & Spicy pickles. Served with fries.

16 Tun

Deluxe Impossible Meat Smashburger (Plantbased)

Impossible™ smash patty, melty cheddar, fried onion, McClure's Pickles and house-made chipotle aioli, all wrapped in a pretzel bun. 

Deluxe Smashburger 

Brisket blend beef, melty cheddar, McClure's Pickles, crunch, tang, smoke - all wrapped in a pretzel bun. 

Maple Chicken Burger 

Southern fried chicken, crispy bacon, slaw, McClure's Pickles and onion, finished with house-made confit garlic aioli and a cayenne-maple glaze, all wrapped in a pretzel bun. Sweet heat. Serious crunch.

SeafoodFish Burger (Grilled or Fried)

Fish of the day, grilled or NZ craft beer battered, McClure's Pickles, with house-made tartare, ketchup and baby cos, all wrapped in a pretzel bun.