Becs Caughey is all across burgers all across Aotearoa – as half of Cook & Nelson which brings McClure’s pickles into the country, she runs the annual Burger Nation event that sees dozens of eateries up and down the motu put their best bun forward with creative burger entries to win the coveted title. This year more than 300 eateries have entered, and the burgers are up for eats till March 29 – go forth! Find all the entries on the dedicated site.

We got tipsy with Becs on where the competition is at in Tāmaki Makaurau. Here’s her guide…

You don’t have to head to central Auckland to get a beautiful burger these days — suburban pubs, cafes, clubs and restaurants are doing a really good job of preparing life-changing patties in buns. While Burger Nation, Aotearoa’s annual best burger competition, is on, get out and explore the far corners of Auckland (as well as the CBD), to discover new food spots, revisit local legends, and back the venues feeding our communities every day by ordering a bloody good burger.

Need some help on where to try? Here are some of my must-try options in every corner of Auckland to help you build your own crawl around the city or in the suburbs.

EAST AUCKLAND

Out east, the vibe is sunny, relaxed and very moreish in the cafes and bars.

Kohi Beach Eatery & Store (Kohimarama)

Honey Butter Fried Chicken Burger: Lemon pepper fried chicken covered in fennel honey butter, served on a soft hoagie roll with mustard mayo, McClure’s Sweet & Spicy Pickles, lettuce and fries.

Phat Uncles (Botany Downs)

The Drunken Uncle: A double beef patty, pickled red onions, jalapeño truffle mustard and whiskey bacon jam, creates a taste sensation in this take on a big beef burger.

Lowbrow (Ellerslie)

Parma Jamma: For the veggies and vegetarian-curious, go for this panko-fried eggplant with red pepper relish, marinara sauce, mozzarella, pickles and cos lettuce — big plant-powered flavour energy.

WEST AUCKLAND

West is best, as the saying goes, so head out that way for cool neighbourhood joints giving the locals the best in burgers.

Kanes Burger Club (Henderson)

Thicc Thiccly: A throwback to thick-patty times, this burger sports a 170g beef patty, American cheese, diced onion, pickles, mustard and tomato sauce on a butter-toasted potato bun.

The Olive Kitchen & Bar (Titirangi)

Jalapeño Pop Burger: Potato jalapeño patty or falafel with cheese make this a customisable veggie burger that features tomato, iceberg lettuce, red onion and chipotle sauce and is served with fries.

Coastal Beach Diner (Piha Bowling Club)

The CBD Fish Burger: Fish burgers are hot in 2026, and this one is polenta-crumbed and served in a seeded brioche bun with house-made tartare, lettuce, tomato and pickles.

Lone Star (Westgate)

Southern Dixie: A classic chicken burger from the beloved Lone Star chain features crunchy fried chicken with Dixie Chicken sauce, lettuce and tomato.

*The Olive’s Jalapeño Pop Burger (vegetarian)*

NORTH SHORE

Laid-back locals know good food is aplenty on the Shore, and it’s one very good reason you should absolutely cross the Bridge.

Long Bay Surf Club (Long Bay)

Seoul Surfer: Crumbed hoki with gochujang glaze, sesame mayo, coriander slaw and McClure’s Sweet & Spicy Pickles is a delicious mash-up of Korean heat and Kiwi coast.

The Albany (Albany)

Smoky Brisket and Oxtail: Slow-cooked brisket and oxtail smoked with mānuka honey and black tea make for an original sandwich adorned with crispy onion, port-pickled onion ring, cheddar and chipotle mayo.

Snowplanet (Silverdale)

Korean Chicken Burger: Buttermilk-marinated crispy chicken thigh with coleslaw, spicy Asian dressing and McClure’s Pickles comes served with criss-cross fries at this snow slope destination.

SOUTH AUCKLAND

Big flavours, loyal residents, and surprise Asian flavours can be found down south.

Smashies (Pukekohe)

Classic Smashie Double: Two smashed all-beef patties layered with American cheese, Smashies’ secret sauce and McClure’s pickles in a fresh brioche bun — simple, juicy perfection.

Springs Tavern (Onehunga)

The Onehunga Catch: Miso-battered fish with malt vinegar mayo, McClure’s Pickles and cos lettuce on a seeded bun, is served at this eatery with skin-on fries.

Downlow (Papatoetoe)

The Korean Krunch Burger: Ultra-crispy fried chicken tossed in sweet and spicy Korean sauce with mayo, red onion and lettuce.

CENTRAL CITY

The inner-city is perfect crawl territory if you’re craving buzz with your burger. Grab a few workmates and walk around these great options.

The Brit Pub & Eatery (Britomart)

Pickled Pig: Pork belly, pickled apple cider sauce, McClure’s Pickles, sticky chilli slaw, crispy bacon, peanut mayo and crackle on a brioche bun makes for a really tasty pork burger.

Chuffed Café (Auckland CBD)

Golden Firebird 1.0: Crispy fried marinated chicken thigh stacked with smashed avocado, fresh tomatoes and lemongrass chilli sour cream in house-made demi brioche buns.

The Birdcage Tavern (Freemans Bay)

The Coastal Crunch: The old-school pub is serving a very modern take on a burger: coconut-panko crumbed snapper and scallop patty is layered with curry leaf mayo, kiwi ginger chutney, fennel apple slaw and wild rocket.

Burgernaut at Urbanaut Brewery (Morningside)

Smashed Hash Smashburger with Cheese Dipper Cup: Fully smashed hash brown and Impossible patty with vegan cheese, spicy apple chutney, grilled capsicum and secret sauce on a smashed potato bun is a vegan option to beat the band.

Get Tipsy with Becs Caughey on Auckland Burgers

Zucchini alla Scapece