My Local : Choose your local

The Best Burgers in NZ: Inside Lone Star's Premium Lineup

Looking for the best burgers near me? Lone Star has been serving up legendary country-style food since 1988, and our premium burger lineup is among the best you'll find anywhere in New Zealand.

Article: blog
Published on: 19/06/2026

Connect with us

From the famous Gerhard Burger to the free-range Glen Campbell Chicken Burger, every burger is made with fresh, quality ingredients and served in a warm, welcoming sit-down setting. This guide walks you through the full lineup, the vegetarian swaps, and why a proper burger restaurant beats takeaway every time.

Lone Star's premium burgers include the Gerhard Burger ($24), the Glen Campbell Chicken Burger ($24), and the classic Star Burger ($19).

  • The Gerhard Burger is one of Lone Star's most popular burgers, made with a premium beef pattie, bacon, Swiss cheese, and aioli in a toasted sourdough bun.

  • Lone Star uses free-range chicken in its Glen Campbell Chicken Burger.

  • Both the Gerhard and Glen Campbell can be made vegetarian by swapping the protein for a vegetable pattie at no extra cost.

  • As a sit-down family burger restaurant, Lone Star pairs its burgers with legendary ribs and a full menu, making it a great choice for dinner.

What are the best burgers in New Zealand?

The best burgers in New Zealand combine premium beef or free-range chicken with fresh salad and quality bread, served hot and fresh. Lone Star delivers exactly that. Since the first restaurant opened on Manchester Street in Christchurch on September 13, 1988, Lone Star has built its name on generous portions and big, honest flavour.

What makes a burger truly premium comes down to the details. The protein matters most—a juicy NZ beef pattie or a properly grilled chicken breast. The salad has to be fresh and crisp. The bun should hold everything together without falling apart. And the sauce needs to bring it all to life. Lone Star ticks every box, which is why so many Kiwis searching for the best burgers NZ has to offer end up at their local Lone Star.

The Lone Star premium burger lineup

Lone Star's gourmet burgers NZ menu features three standout options, each made to order with fresh ingredients. Here's a quick comparison before we dig into the details:

Back to Trailblazers

The Gerhard Burger ($24) — the premium beef burger NZ loves

The Gerhard Burger is Lone Star's signature beef burger NZ fans rave about. It stacks a premium beef pattie with crispy bacon, melted Swiss cheese, red onions, gherkins, fresh lettuce, tomato, and creamy aioli—all packed into a toasted sourdough bun.

This is a burger built for a proper appetite. The premium pattie brings rich, beefy flavour, while the bacon and Swiss cheese add savoury depth. The gherkins cut through with a tangy bite, and the sourdough holds it all together beautifully. If you want a serious gourmet burger for dinner, the Gerhard is the one to beat.

The Glen Campbell Chicken Burger ($24) — a top chicken burger NZ option

The Glen Campbell Chicken Burger is proof that a chicken burger NZ diners crave can be every bit as satisfying as beef. It features a grilled free-range chicken breast layered with bacon, Swiss cheese, red onions, gherkins, lettuce, tomato, and aioli, all in a toasted sourdough bun.

Lone Star uses free-range chicken for this burger, so you get tender, flavorful meat you can feel good about. The grilled chicken keeps things lighter than beef without skimping on taste. Pair it with a side of fries, and you've got one of the best chicken burger meals around.

The Star Burger ($19) — the classic, your way

The Star Burger is the original crowd-pleaser, and at $19, it's a brilliant everyday option. You choose your protein—either an NZ premium beef patty or free-range chicken—then it comes loaded with lettuce, tomato, red onion, gherkin, and grilled Swiss cheese in a toasted burger bun.

Simple, fresh, and full of flavour, the Star Burger is perfect for anyone who wants a great burger without the extras. It's the kind of reliable favourite that keeps families coming back.

Why choose a sit-down burger restaurant for dinner?

A sit-down burger restaurant gives you something takeaway simply can't: fresh food served hot, table service, and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy it all. When you're weighing up burger dinner ideas, dining in beats juggling containers on the couch.

Here's why a sit-down spot like Lone Star wins for dinner:

  • Freshness: Your burger arrives straight from the kitchen, not sitting in a bag during delivery.

  • The full menu: Add ribs, sides, drinks, and dessert to make a real meal of it.

  • Comfort for families: Plenty of space, a warm welcome, and a menu with options for everyone.

  • The occasion: Whether it's a Friday night treat or a casual catch-up, dining in turns a meal into an event.

If you've been searching for where to get a burger tonight or burger restaurants open now, a local Lone Star delivers a premium burger and a proper night out in one.

Where can families go for burgers in NZ?

Families looking for the best burgers NZ has to offer will feel right at home at Lone Star. As a family burger restaurant, Lone Star combines a relaxed, friendly setting with a menu that suits all ages and appetites. The Star Burger keeps things simple for younger diners, while the Gerhard and Glen Campbell satisfy bigger cravings.

With locations across the country, there's likely a Lone Star near you serving premium burgers NZ families love. From the first restaurant in Christchurch to spots nationwide, the same welcoming spirit and quality food show up every time.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lone Star's most popular burger?

The Gerhard Burger is one of Lone Star's most popular burgers, featuring a premium beef pattie, bacon, Swiss cheese, fresh salad, gherkins and aioli in a toasted sourdough bun.

Does Lone Star have chicken burgers?

Yes. The Glen Campbell Chicken Burger is made with a grilled free-range chicken breast, bacon, Swiss cheese, fresh salad, and aioli served in a sourdough bun.

Does Lone Star have vegetarian burgers?

Yes. Both the Gerhard Burger and Glen Campbell Chicken Burger can be made vegetarian by swapping the protein for a vegetable pattie at no extra cost.

Where can I get a gourmet burger in NZ?

You can get a gourmet burger at Lone Star, with locations across New Zealand. The premium lineup includes the Gerhard Burger, the Glen Campbell Chicken Burger, and the classic Star Burger, all made fresh to order.

Does Lone Star use free-range chicken?

Yes. Lone Star uses free-range chicken in its Glen Campbell Chicken Burger and as a protein option in the Star Burger.

Which restaurants serve premium beef burgers and ribs?

Lone Star serves both premium beef burgers and its legendary Redneck Ribs, making it a great choice if you want burgers and ribs in one sit-down meal.

Come in for a burger tonight.

The best burgers near you are closer than you think. With a premium lineup of beef and chicken burgers, vegetarian options, legendary ribs, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Lone Star is the go-to spot for a quality burger dinner in NZ. Find your nearest Lone Star and come in tonight—your perfect burger is waiting.