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Grills across Aotearoa are firing up for Burger Nation, as the most delicious celebration of burgers, hospitality and food culture kicks off for 2026. The bigger-than-ever competition runs from 25 February to 29 March, with burger joints, breweries, bars, cafes, restaurants and food trucks, alongside steakhouses, smokehouses, seaside trailers and historic hotels, competing for category titles and the kudos of the Supreme Burger crown.
Winners will be decided by New Zealanders, who can get out and try as many burgers as they can during the activation, voting for their favourites across four categories: Meat, Chicken, Seafood and Plant.
“The burger is one of those great shared pleasures. It brings people together and lets cooks and chefs really show off their creativity,” says Burger Nation co-founder Nick Brown. “Seeing Burger Nation grow this big in 2026 is special. We’re bigger than ever, and have something for everyone, but the premise hasn’t changed: get out, support your local hospo spots, eat a great burger, and have your say on who’s doing it best.”
Each burger will be scored from one to 10 for Taste, Appearance and Feel by diners who scan the QR code at each venue, putting the power firmly in the hands, and mouths, of the people. Winners will be announced on the 1st of April.
While Newmarket has no shortage of delicious burger spots, three local eateries have risen to the challenge, each putting forward a burger (or two!) that’s sure to get your mouth watering. See the tasty burgers on offer below.
Spicy Satay Panner Burger
Hawaii 5-O
Crispy turmeric-battered paneer served on a toasted buttered bun with market-fresh lettuce & tomato, fried onions, finished with house-made lightly spiced satay sauce and McClures Pickles.
Pure Angus 95% lean beef smash burger pattie served on a toasted buttered bun with market-fresh lettuce & tomato, juicy grilled pineapple, crispy free-range bacon, house-made pickled red onions finished with honey sriracha sauce and McClure's Pickles.
255 Broadway Roadside
The Lumsden Sizzlin' Skillet Burger
Two double-smashed premium NZ beef patties, seared hard and stacked high with American cheese, sweet caramelised onions and McClure’s Bread & Butter Pickles, stacked high in a butter-glazed potato bun. Cut in half and served sliced down on a sizzling skillet of rich, gooey cheese sauce with diced McClure’s Bread & Butter pickles. Served with a basket of Lumsden-seasoned fries on the side.
444 Khyber Pass Road
The Korean Krunch Burger
Super crispy fried chicken tossed in the most excellent sweet and spicy Korean sauce with McClure’s Pickles, mayo, fresh red onion and lettuce. We recommend to NOT let anyone else try a bite!
277 Broadway
Voting closes at 11.59pm, Monday 29th March. Test them out today and vote for your favourite here.
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