New Zealand’s First Michelin Guide Puts 110 Restaurants On The Global Culinary Map

Aotearoa New Zealand has officially joined the MICHELIN Guide, becoming the first destination in Oceania to receive its own guide. The inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 recognises 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, placing the country’s food culture firmly on the global culinary map.

Celebrating more than fine dining

While the stars are the headline, Michelin’s selection highlights far more than fine dining. Inspectors praised New Zealand’s exceptional produce, seafood, wine culture, and hospitality, as well as the strong connection between food, land, and culture. That sense of place runs throughout the guide, from vineyard restaurants overlooking dramatic landscapes to venues built around locally grown ingredients, foraged produce, and seasonal menus.

Importantly, the new guide isn’t just for travellers planning an extravagant tasting-menu holiday. Michelin’s recognition spans a range of price points, making the guide as useful for travellers seeking memorable local meals as it is for those pursuing fine dining experiences.

Of the 110 restaurants recognised, 35 received a Bib Gourmand for good-quality cooking at a great value, while another 60 were included in the MICHELIN Guide’s broader Selected category.

One restaurant takes two stars

Queenstown’s Essence, led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt, received the country’s only Two MICHELIN Stars. Set above Lake Whakatipu, the restaurant showcases seasonal New Zealand produce through refined tasting menus that Michelin inspectors praised for their creativity and technique.

Elsewhere, 14 restaurants earned One MICHELIN Star, alongside the 35 Bib Gourmand recipients.

Māori values shape the experience

Michelin also highlighted tiakitanga, the Māori principle of guardianship and conservation, and manaakitanga, which reflects hospitality, kindness, and generosity.

These values are reflected in restaurants such as Auckland restaurant Ahi., where seasonal cooking and traceable ingredients connect food with cultural heritage, and Queenstown’s Sherwood, which incorporates produce from its own garden alongside locally foraged ingredients.

The new guide gives travellers another reason to explore beyond New Zealand’s famous mountains, vineyards, and outdoor adventures. Whether planning a trip around destination restaurants, neighbourhood favourites, or affordable Bib Gourmand finds, visitors can now use Michelin’s inaugural guide as a culinary roadmap through Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

All photos are courtesy of Tourism New Zealand.