Bangin' burgers
We put it to locals to ask them where to find the best burgers in the Bay!
Check out some of the top picks below…
PALACE TAVERN
Every Mount local knows that Palace Tavern serves some of the best burgers in town. This American-style dive bar has all the feels with booth seating, pool tables, great tap beers, and of course, a bangin’ burger menu. It’s hard to choose what to pick, their brisket smashed beef patties add that extra deliciousness, and their Buffalo Southern fried chicken burger just hits different. And, of course, you can't overlook their fried chicken wings. There’s also heaps of plant-based options, with pulled jackfruit, southern fried cauliflower, you name it.
1c/217 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
SURF SHACK EATERY
Quoted by Lonely Planet as “quite possibly the best burgers in New Zealand”. The Surf Shack Eatery in Waihī Beach has developed quite the reputation for their juicy, big burgers! The burgers are ground on site and, like everything else on the menu, made using only locally or New Zealand sourced ingredients. “There’s a big science to burgers – I’d probably bore you telling you about it but it took me three years to get it right. I’ve always loved a good burger,” says co-owner Pippa Coombes. Read their story here.
123 Emerton Road, Waihī Beach
THE BARN BURGER & GRILL
The Barn has made a name for itself for being one of the best burger joints in town. This hidden gem is located in the cruise deck on the main street of Mount Maunganui and it’s well worth the visit. Their generously sized burgers will most definitely curb your hunger. Expect the classics such as the cheeseburger or fried chicken burger, or take things up a notch and try their beef rodeo burger (like Burger King but one million times better!) or their beef rib burger which has the meat falling right off the bone. Head down on a Thursday where all their burgers (with fries) are only $20!
Shops 7 and, 8/169 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
THE PACKHOUSE
In Te Puke, everyone's buzzing about The Packhouse, a chill all-day eatery that serves up quite literally some of the best burgers in the Bay. Their potato buns are spot-on – just the right size and texture to keep things tidy while you chow down. You can't miss the Philly Cheesesteak burger with its thinly sliced rib-eye steak, caramelized onions, cheese, and loads of cheese sauce. And the grilled chicken burger? It's like a mouthwatering Caesar salad in a bun. You also can’t go wrong with the classic cheeseburger – made with wagyu beef, it's everything you'd want and more. Wash it down with a cold one from Lumberjack Brewing.
4 Palmer Place, Te Puke
THE FAT BROTHER
The Fat Brother in Tauranga CBD is your haven for hearty eats! Sink your teeth into local favourite “The Fat Father” – a mouthwatering cheeseburger loaded with bacon, caramelized onions, and their signature FAT beef sauce, all nestled in fluffy brioche buns. Craving chicken? Their special fried chicken burger's a winner. Plus, those fat sandwiches? Available in 6 or 12 inches of pure satisfaction. Don't miss their loaded fries, dreamy Nutella balls, shakes, and more. The perfect post-night-out indulgence!
50 First Avenue, Tauranga
SPECIAL MENTION
Special mention must be made of the epic “gonz” cheeseburger at Special Mention Café in Arataki. Forget fast food, this is an experience to savour! This double smash burger is made with organic beef, kosher dill pickles, onion and a secret recipe sauce on a toasted bun. Available from 11am every day on the lunch menu. You’re welcome.
399 Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui
THE WAGON
The owners of the gourmet burger bar The Wagon are self-confessed foodies. Alex and Quinn’s eatery is known for its massive American-style burgers and friendly staff who refuse to divulge the ingredients of the secret sauce. Vege and vegan options use jackfruit, mushroom and falafel. For meat eaters, their most popular is ‘The Flying Beast’ - a chicken and bacon cheeseburger … but you can’t go past the ‘@%#!ing good’ made with a New Zealand beef patty, smoky cheese, secret sauce, pickles and lettuce.
128 The Strand, Whakatāne
RE BURGER
RE Burger in both Greerton and Mount Maunganui crafts burger perfection. With roots in a Dunedin food truck, their 100% pure beef patties and Southern fried chicken shine in every bite. Fresh daily milk buns cradle these delights, while a secret sauce adds an irresistible twist. From humble beginnings to Bay's best, RE Burger is a flavour-packed journey you won't want to miss.
138 Chadwick Road, Greerton, Tauranga and 195 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui