The adrenaline capital of New Zealand, visiting Queenstown is a rite of passage for many adventure hungry travellers exploring the wilds of New Zealand.
Whether a keen snowboarder, mountain biker, hiker or even paraglider, there are plenty of activities on offer to keep you entertained morning, noon and night.
However there’s one attraction in Queenstown which requires little need for sports equipment and a sense of adventure.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you…the Fergburger.
A staple source of sustenance for Queenstown’s backpackers, seasonal workers and adrenaline junkies Mr Ferg hails from humble beginnings.
Initially served from just a hole in the wall, this burger joint has taken the concept of meat and bun to phenomenal heights.
Not usually one to dabble with this particular culinary favourite I cast aside my preconceived ideas of the lowly fast food burger and agreed to give Ferg a try.
WELCOME TO FERGBURGER
A fast food restaurant FergBurger is definitely not.
Not just because the average wait time is over 20 minutes, but because queueing for your Ferg is like wrestling for a space at the bar of a trendy nightclub.
Yes…I did just use the word trendy, yes..I know it makes me sound like my mother and yes…I am only 26 and should know better.
Joining the ever present queue I stand atop the iconic metal emblem set into the pavement outside.
The cool kids fresh from the slopes are clad in their colourful ski wear, burgers on the brain after a hard day up on the neighbouring Remarkables Ski Fields.
The minutes pass by and I’m beginning to think perhaps giving into temptation during ‘rush hour’ was a bad idea.
As I reach the counter I am handed a menu. Pleasantly surprised by the wealth of choice and the reference to so much fresh produce I make my selection and move inside.
WE WANT FERG
I realise you may have thought my initial nightclub comparison may have been exaggerated for effect however it is at this point the similarities are really evident.
There are people everywhere.
With every step on my hunt for free floor space on which to stand, I have to apologise as I push past another hungry body.
The music blares loudly from the speakers and fashionable twenty somethings watch and wait for their number to be called.
Of course it’s not just the backpackers and working holiday travellers who are waiting for their dinner. Ferg’s combination of fresh produce and gargantuan portions are popular with local residents.
Families sit by the tables in the small forecourt and devour the easy meal after school and after a day climbing Bobs Peak or hiking the Tiki Trail.
THE 4AM FERG
While Ferg provides sustenance for those adventurous sorts who are out and about during the day, this one of a kind burger bar also caters for night owls. Those late night party animals who are in need of something substantial to soak up their tequila shots before stumbling home to bed.
Open for a whopping 21 hours every day, I have yet to walk past and find the place completely empty.
WHY YOU SHOULD FERG
If you’ve managed to visit Queenstown and avoid hearing any reference to the one and only FergBurger I salute you.
You are the anomaly.
As someone who values their health, fast food is not something that regularly features on my menu plan but I suppose if we were going to argue the point a FergBurger is in no way delivered at a rapid pace.
My point is that the FergBurger is unlike any burger I have come across before.
Served in a bun – the size of small child’s head – baked fresh each morning by the FergBakery next door and bursting with fresh ingredients, no comparison can be made between the Ferg and a traditional fast food equivalent.
I went for the tempured tofu burger.
Served with a spicy satay, coconut and coriander dressing, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, snow pea shoots and aioli, I devoured it in record time.
Jeepers I’m salivating.
In short a visit to sample the delights of the FergBurger are a customary Queenstown itinerary addition.
Don’t miss out on the experience. Hop over to the FergBurger Menu and allow your tastebuds to dream.
No, this is not a sponsored post. The FergBurgers really are that good!
Have you been to visit Mr Ferg? Share your burger tales with us below.