Fergburger’s brand awareness is phenomenal with thousands of people ordering from Queenstown’s world-famous burger shop every month.
But is Fergburger worth it?
The queues outside Fergburer are notoriously long and are the biggest deterrent for those undecided about visiting.
2022 Update: Fergburger is still a busy place. The queues do move quickly though, which I always find impressive. The opening hours do vary at the moment, so it pays to check what the current opening hours are.
The Ferg-lafel
Is it worth waiting in line for Queenstowns famous burger? Or is Fergburger running on reputation, with most leaving disappointed?
After reaching out to dozens of people about their Fergburger experience, I have answers.
These people talk about their waiting time in the queue, as well as offer tips, tricks, and overall thoughts on their experience.
But first, I’ll answer some Fergburger FAQs.
CAN YOU ORDER FERGBURGER ONLINE?
No, you cannot order Fergburger online. You can place your order over the phone (03 441 1232). Otherwise, you’ll need to head down to the Fergburger in person. If they allowed online ordering, I can only imagine the chaos that would ensue.
HOW LONG IS THE FERGBURGER WAIT TIME?
This will vary a lot, but they’ve got the systems locked in and I’m always surprised how fast my burger is ready (less than 15 minutes). They have a screen that pops up with your order number when it’s ready. Or you can also keep an eye on FergLovesYou.co.nz if you’d like to go for a little walk while you wait. Your order number will show up when it is ready.
ARE THERE VEGAN FERGBURGER OPTIONS?
Yes! There are two regular vegan options on the Fergburer menu. THe Ferg-Lafel and Holier Than Thou. I much prefer the latter, with the Tempura Tofu being amazing. They’ve definitely not just put these two burgers on for kicks (make sure to request them as vegan).
RELATED POST: THE BEST VEGAN BURGERS IN QUEENSTOWN
Continuing on, there are three more parts to this post:
HOW THIS POST CAME TO BE
I haven’t been to Fergburger in 10+ years, a.k.a. not the best person to decide if you should visit Fergburger. So I went to Instagram to reach out to those who’ve had Fergburger recently. I slid into the DM’s of those who had posted a photo with #fergburger. This is the same method used to decide if Milford Sound is worth visiting.
This is the message I sent to people on Instagram (with minor variations):
My mission? To get at least 30 answers (we were told 30 was a good minimum sample size in school).
Mission accomplished! Below you’ll find 39 responses. I did make minor changes for spelling and flow.
p.s. you might want to open the menu in a new tab so you can see what burger people are referring too.
IS FERGBURGER WORTH IT? 39 PEOPLE SHARE THEIR OPINION…
It’s a when in Rome kinda deal for me. We waiting probably 50 mins in total for the burger, lineup and cooking time. I had The Bullseye (200gm steak), definitely a great burger, but I definitely wouldn’t line up twice in one holiday.@kiwikenton
It’s definitely worth the wait, wasn’t waiting that long at all considering the line was out the door. Got the Southern Swine burger and the Mr. Big Stuff I think. Definitely would get it again it’s delicious as. @djpagemc
We went about two weeks ago and didn’t have to wait long (there’s an approx 6-week-long ‘low season’ in Queenstown and pick up again from Winterfestival on). We tried to pre-order over the phone as we were told by the locals, but no one ever picked up. We went for dinner and I think all in all had to wait about 15 to 20 mins from the time we arrived at Ferg to when we received the burger, so no problem at all.
I had the Southern Swine with added blue cheese and shared fries. The burger was ultra-filling and looked great. But to be honest, it was a bit blunt, as if they forgot to season the patty (maybe they did, maybe it’s always like this, I don’t know). It was great being able to eat a Ferg Burger again after 10 years. But I do think there are are so many equally good or even better burgers in your regular pub. If the queue is short like ours I might go again. Otherwise I’d happily skip Ferg and go to the next pub instead š @discover_aotearoa
Ya I mean we only waited for like 10 mins and were lucky to squeeze into a table around 7 pm šš¼.
I would say itās an experience haha. Worth the little adventure to try the hype. I had the Bambi Burger with mulled wine and it was pretty tasty! Big burger for the price šš¼. Yes, Iād go again… interesting options on the menu!@KaylaMca7
I didn’t wait in the line for too long, the queue went just out the door so I understand that’s pretty short! Moved fast so ordered in 5 min and took 20 mins for 2 burgers and chips to arrive. I got some double patty BBQ burger and also some chicken burger (can’t remember specifics though sorry). Cost all up $40ish and was defo worth it. Never been so full from a burger. Although it is pricey it was well worth its value.
Got it a second time a couple of days later, the venison one. That was incredible…. So tasty, not quite as filling but also not as expensive and it’s better meat so I expected that. We phone ordered that and my sister got the burger so don’t know the time it took.
It’s as I said, the best burger in the world for sure and I’ve had my fair share of good burgers. But if that line snaked around and it was later in the evening, it would have been a pretty unpleasant wait. I’d wait 45 min for those burgers (including cooking) because past that I would need to have eaten food before lining up and is only justifiable when inside. Once ordered you can warm up in the building but outside when it’s busy and there’s traffic and it’s cold…not enticing.
But if that was my local joint then I’d be a fat man is tell you that… 8/10 (10/10 for flavour and service, -2 for the wait to order) @jono_reshef
I didn’t wait and ordered right away. And I ate The Fergburger and the Ferg Deluxe. I think it’d be nice to try it. The original is the best! @Sejeong__
Definitely worth the wait. It moves quickly so was about 20 mins. Best burger I’ve had. Had The Fergburger with cheese. Delish. Would definitely recommend š. @Mmariaanv
I don’t remember what I ordered. But I ordered a burger at the top left of the menu š (Jub: Looks like The Fergburger). And that was soooo nice. I waited about 15 minutes after ordering š @0.2.0.9__
Photos of famous guests who’ve eaten at Fergburger
The waiting time all depends on when you go (lunch and dinner will be the longest most likely). I went around 2 pm and it was a little over 20 minutes (well worth the wait for the burgers) and I got the Cockadoodle Oink (chicken, bacon, lettuce, cheese, tomato, and their sauce on it) and yeah I would get it again. @ja14ck
Definitely worth waiting! 10 mins in the line for order, 10 mins until pick up our order. We got the Ferg Deluxe and we returned the next day to get one more. If I could, I would get even more ;).
@janhudec91
We just finished hiking and were starving. We walked past trying to get dinner, realized the line was too long so we didn’t wait. We went back at 11 am the next day when they opened, waited less than 10 minutes and was totally worth it. I got The Sweet Bambi, it was freaking bombdotcom mate! Would you get it again? Clearly. @barbermoose
I think it is worth it and wanted to go a second time if the line wasnāt bad. But it was crowded so we didnāt go again. We got lucky and only had around a 30 minute wait time to get our burgers. I got the Mr. Big Stuff burger. Lindsay didnāt like it as much as I did. We both liked BurgerFuel in New Plymouth more. I know they have a few other locations throughout New Zealand as well.
I would say if youāre in Queenstown and a fan of burgers it is totally worth checking out, and if we are fortunate enough to go back to Queenstown I know we will wait in the line again. Second time around I think I’d get the Sweet Bambi or the Chief Wiggum burger. @travelingforrest
We didnāt wait that long, like 5 mins to order and 15/20 mins for the burger and we went at like 7 pm. I got the BIG AL with pickles and pineapple, and would love to go again but there are so many other places in Queenstown for food, plus we’re only here for a little time. Me and the bf were yarning about it and they need to control their waiting area because people get in your way. But tbh all you need is the burger, though the aioli with the chips is lit! @cee_eats
Yes I’ve tried different burgers around US and Fergburger is one of the best. I got their double cheeseburger which is really huge and super juicy š @mrsironchefnz
It was a decent burger. But I honestly don’t think it was worth the wait, itās just a burger. But it was a good burger – so itās up to the person if they wanna try it. I donāt think Iād do it again. But I did it because itās a signature food of Queenstown and I do like a good burger. @brunchblessed
I went at an odd time (around 4:30-5 pm) and got mine in around 15 minutes. I had The Fergburger and itās amazing. I would definitely get it again and you should definitely try it out. Along with it, you should also try one of the many savoury pies at the Bakery. Their pies are definitely amazing. @Deepabali
Fergburger is worth waiting for! We tried almost all the flavors! Great! Please enjoy! @dogyhousetom
The place is always crowded and I had to wait for like 10 minutes or less. I don’t really remember but to me it was worth it and I had the Tropical Swine (pineapple one). @Shinji.tk
I was waiting approximately 20 minutes. I’ve already gone there two times. Iāve eaten the authentic Fergburger and I forgot the other one’s name which patty is pork belly (From Jub: probably the Chief Wiggum). Actually, I would like to go back to eat all kinds of burgers. I love Fergbuger!! @2.95_op
Yes, itās worth the wait. And yeah I would def go there again when I am in Queenstown. Their pie is quite delicious too, especially the duck meat pie. @Janechloeloo
If you come at the right time there is hardly any wait time. But I would always wait for the Ferg Deluxe š We went before the evening crowd got in. @Chrishupach
100% it’s worth waiting in line for if you like burgers. You’re kind of going for the whole experience – the burger, the wait and being able to say ‘I’ve been”. We went a few times. It depends on what you like in your burger and you can always add more things like bacon, avocado, etc. @Yourdailyrarebit
I got The Fergburger with double pattie and blue cheese. It was an ok burger. But I wouldn’t waste my time in a queue for an hour in the cold like some people do. I went on Sunday night about 9 pm. Quieter than usual. Probably wouldnāt go again in a hurry. @Life_of_bull
At the Fergbuger we waited for 25-30mins (6 pm-ish on Sunday night) I think it was worth it because I really enjoyed it, the meat was really juicy and kinda tasted like a having a steak burger! We got The Fergburger and the Tropical Swine. I would say The Orginal was better! And I think Iāll have it again when I go to Queenstown, it was a long wait but worth it! if you are gonna have it I hope u enjoy it! š Oh and make sure you get the onion rings as well! @Mjjjj_1027
We went really early in the morning because we kept seeing how crazy the lines were during the day. We walked in and ordered, sat down, no lines. We got The Dawn Hawn and The Fergburger I think. We loved it! So moreish but it was delicious and tied us over for the drive to Wanaka. Thereās definitely expansion and weāve both been there before! Never disappoints! @Jandylegoadventures
I’ve visited the Ferg a few times. I think it’s worth it, yes. But I would not go during the day it really is very full. It stays open until late. @Gi_fotografias_
Last weekend, I think Iāve waited about 15 minutes or 20 minutes? It was not too long and it is definitely worth the wait. Fergburger is the best burger Iāve had in my life. If you are going to get that, you’ve got to understand what Iām saying now. From the day I had Ferg Iām a big fan of Ferg. I had the Chief Wiggum and Fergburger Deluxe. I think Ferg would make you happy. I’ll miss Fergburgerš. @Dydwhy01
Yes! Seriously delicious. I visited three times. Maybe 10 min to order and 15 to get. I bought the Fergburger two times and Bullseye once. Bullseye has a big steak in that, but it costs. The Fergburger (basic one) is also delicious. It depends on you, but I think it is worth it. @_ziu2.s
I didn’t wait long as I ordered via phone so just went there and picked up. I went there quite a few times and every item I ordered different burgers. My favourite is The Codfather and Big Al. I’m a huge burger fan and love their store very much! Alo love their bakery store next door too! The pretzel is pretty good. @camelliayang
We actually didnāt wait too long, walked in just before 4 pm and ordered straight away, then waited about 15 minutes for the food. We just got The Fergburger. I did enjoy it and so did my friend but not sure if Iād call it the ābest burger in the worldā. There’s nothing wrong at all and they were quite fresh and tasty but they might be a bit overhyped. Staff were quite unprofessional, talking to each other rather than focusing on customers.
@Mat_trenear
We went about 6:30pm, queued for maybe 10 minutes then the order took 20 minutes (we went for a walk around knowing this). I got the Tropical Swine and my wife got the Ferg. We were doubtful of how good it would be, thought it was purely a hype thing. Both prepared to be underwhelmed. However, it blew us away. Excellent burger, absolutely delicious. @thecraigjeavons
Iāve actually had Ferg before so I knew the drill. We went for an early lunch and maybe only waited 15 mins from lining up to getting our burgers? I think itās worth doing it…strategically! And visit Ferg Bakery too. Itās an icon of Qātown, and the burgers are certainly delish (just did the classic burgers this time around).@Ashtuckerman
We waited about an hour, we tried a few items on the menu. It was pretty amazing but I think itās a 1-time thing, not sure I would do that wait a second time! @Whentravelmeetsfood
You can order your burgers online to avoid waiting in line. You just go straight to the counter to pick up your online order however if you want to truly experience Fergburger than I suggest going early in the morning around 8-9am or late at night closer to midnight.
In terms of the burgers, Iāve tried Sweet Bambi, Chief Wiggum, Ferg Deluxe, Sweet Julie and Cock Cajun. However, in my recent post (on Instagram), I only have images of Ferg Deluxe, Sweet Bambi and Cock Cajun.
Fergburger is definitely a must-try for anyone visiting Queenstown. Such a filling burger for a reasonable price, not to mention very delicious. @Appetisingaless
Did not wait for too long, to be honest. 15 mins? Food is great, beer, and mulled wine are good. The thing is that we would not go again, simply because it is purely a tourist thing to do. I donāt think the burger itself is spectacular, my opinion though. @Roys_beer
It was a pretty cool experience. Our wait time wasnāt too bad and was totally worth it. I heard there are times when itās really long but a couple of locals gave us a tip which we didnāt have to use. I canāt remember which burger but it was excellent. I would go back in a minute. We actually went twice. And Iāve told people back in Canada to make sure to go if they are ever in town. @Willgoodon
Yes it was worth the wait, we waited around 15mins. The burger we got was the Ferg Deluxe and Little Lamby, highly recommend the lamb. And yes I would go there again. @Phaemous_
Fergburger was quite good, the burgers are huge. The wait was about an hour. I got the original Fergburger. I donāt think I would get it again, but I feel like when you are in Queenstown you have to try a Fergburger. @Stephyjade
We went to the bakery they have next door. Pies were great. We didnāt want to wait for the burgers. We went back at about 4 om another day. The line was really short and we even got one of a few tables. Try outside of lunch and dinner times. Had the Sweet Bambi and it was good. @mrjack_and_pompom
CONCLUSIONS & TIPS FOR VISITING
Hmmm…“Usually as busy as it gets” and “No wait”…some contradictions going on here Google.
I reached out to Fergburger to ask about the waiting times but received no response.
Based on the responses about Milford Sound, I figured the responses were going to be overwhelmingly positive regarding Fergburger. We also need to consider the fact Instagram is a curated feed chosen by each person. But as article Vogue states and Instagram worth picture is:
In short, anything beautiful, awesome, hilarious, or amazing that evokes emotions including but not limited to: laughter, appreciation, jealousy, inspiration.
I have to say, the waiting times mentioned were shorter than I expected. And the whole experience won’t take much longer than going to most restaurants in Queenstown.
Tips for the best Fergburger experience:
- Avoid peak eating times if you want to avoid the queues.
- You are able to make a phone order (hopefully they pickup).
- The Fergburger and Sweet Bambi appear to be two popular options.
- You’ll be queueing up outside often. If it’s bad weather, come prepared!
- Try mulled wine.
- Consider grabbing some treats from the Fergbaker (next to Fergburger).
I’ll leave the decision up to you, but it looks like you should probably go to tick it off on the list of things to do in New Zealand.
And please, if you go to Fergburger, let other readers know if Fergburger is worth it in your opinion by leaving a comment below.
p.s. Here’s how to get from Queenstown Airport to the city and some good walks in Queenstown to burn them calories š
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.