Burger Nation, the nationwide burger bonanza that brings the ‘bestest, burgery-est’ burgers to diners, starts with a sizzle on 29 January, 2025.
The nationwide competition celebrates our local burger joints, food trucks, bars, cafes and restaurants, and the very special burgers they create for the annual food event.
Eateries from the Bay of Islands to the Catlins have signed up to participate in the second-ever Burger Nation, and have come up with some beautifully quirky and delicious burgers that will feature on their menus from 29 January to 2 March.
Fiordland Crayfish Burgers
Amongst the hundreds of burgers on offer during Burger Nation, New Zealanders can order a Fiordland crayfish burger, truffled pork belly burger, a sweet brioche burger, a miso mushroom burger and a burger stuffed with a cream cheese and a McClure’s pickles crunchy wonton. Beefy dishes include a Korean brisket burger and a Hereford burger injected with cheesy fondue.
Seafood burgers feature everything from prawns, crayfish, squid, salmon, mussels, scallops and crab this year, while other culinary creations showcase bacon-wrapped pickles and McClure’s Pickles fried every which way.
An annual event created by Nick Brown and Becs Caughey of Cook & Nelson and McClure’s Pickles, Burger Nation is supported this year by delivery partner Delivereasy and category sponsors Angel Bay (Meat) and United Fish Co. (Seafood).
Legendary Flavour Bombs
“The humble burger is legendary for good reasons: it’s an affordable flavour bomb of a meal, it’s portable, takes very little time to eat, and done well, is so incredibly satisfying,” says Nick Brown. “This summer we want to see Kiwis get a crew together, go and try an amazing burger or three, and then take a minute to tell us which is the best in the country.”
Designed to be an affordable incentive to get Kiwis into their favourite local hospitality spots this summer, Burger Nation burgers have to fit into four categories: Meat, Seafood, Chicken or Plant-based. There will be a winner in each category, decided by the people, with the top burger being crowned Supreme Winner 2025.
“While eating burgers this summer, New Zealanders can support the hard working hospo industry, who work tirelessly over the holidays and deserve our loyal custom once the New Year ticks over and people get back to work,” says Brown. “So get down to your local and order a Burger Nation burger.”