In a landmark win for Aotearoa New Zealand tourism, our nearest neighbour has become the first destination in Oceania to be included in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide. The inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 spans four regions: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown and recognises 110 establishments across the country.
The Michelin Man (Bibendum) at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour waterfront, with the Sky Tower in the background.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of The MICHELIN Guide, described New Zealand’s debut as “genuinely impressive,” noting that inspectors found “a contemporary culinary map shaped by unique terroir and a food culture in quiet harmony with nature.”
The guide debuts with 15 starred restaurants: one awarded Two MICHELIN Stars and 14 receiving One MICHELIN Star. A further 35 restaurants have been recognised with a Bib Gourmand for outstanding food at great value, and 60 are included in the official MICHELIN Guide Selection.
Leading the honours is Essence in Queenstown, the sole recipient of two MICHELIN Stars. Perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Whakatipu, Executive Chef Paul Froggatt’s restaurant presents tasting menus that showcase premium seasonal New Zealand produce with refined technique and creativity.
A signature dish, and the dining room at Essence in Queenstown — New Zealand’s only two-MICHELIN-starred restaurant.
Among the 14 One MICHELIN Star restaurants, a standout milestone belongs to Tala in Auckland, the first Samoan restaurant anywhere in the world to receive a MICHELIN Star, offering a deeply personal and immersive dining journey celebrating Pacific culture.
Three special awards were also announced. The MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award goes to Chef Robert Fairs of Londo, a Bib Gourmand restaurant in Christchurch, whose cooking blends British roots and international experience with a strong sense of place. The Service Award was presented to Stina Persen of Graze in Wellington, while Matthew Aitchison of The French Café in Auckland took out the Sommelier Award.
Across the 35 Bib Gourmand recipients, 13 are in Auckland, 10 in Christchurch, eight in Queenstown and four in Wellington, reflecting the breadth and accessibility of New Zealand’s dining scene.
A dish from Ahi, capturing the cultural storytelling and produce-led plating style highlighted throughout the guide.
From hyper-local produce to diverse cultural influences, including the guiding Māori principles of tiakitanga (guardianship of the land) and manaakitanga (hospitality and generosity), Aotearoa New Zealand’s food story is one defined by purity, place and people.
Now the world is invited to experience NZ’s culinary excellence first hand.
