New Zealand has officially joined the global MICHELIN Guide. It is the first destination in Oceania to receive its own dedicated restaurant selection. The inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 recognises 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. The selection celebrates a dining scene shaped by exceptional local produce, regional character and a deep respect for nature.
After months of anonymous inspections, the Guide awarded Two MICHELIN Stars to Essence in Queenstown. It also recognised 14 One MICHELIN Star restaurants, 35 Bib Gourmand establishments and 60 MICHELIN Selected venues.
A Milestone For New Zealand’s Culinary Landscape
Leading the inaugural selection is Essence, the country’s only Two MICHELIN Stars restaurant. Executive Chef Paul Froggatt leads the restaurant, where refined tasting menus showcase seasonal New Zealand ingredients alongside panoramic views of Lake Whakatipu.
Fourteen restaurants also earned One MICHELIN Star across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Another 35 establishments received the Bib Gourmand distinction for offering exceptional value. A further 60 restaurants joined the MICHELIN Selected category.
According to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, New Zealand’s debut reflects the country’s distinctive culinary identity. Regional diversity, premium seasonal ingredients and thoughtful cooking have helped shape a dining scene worthy of international recognition.
Celebrating Place, Produce And Hospitality
The inaugural selection also highlights the values that define New Zealand’s food culture. Māori principles such as tiakitanga encourage sustainable farming and responsible sourcing. Meanwhile, manaakitanga shapes the country’s warm and generous approach to hospitality.
These philosophies appear throughout the Guide. Restaurants champion locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus and close relationships with regional producers. Vineyard dining, coastal seafood and spectacular natural landscapes further enrich the country’s culinary experiences.
The MICHELIN Guide also presented three Special Awards. Chef Robert Fairs of Londo received the Young Chef Award, Stina Persen of Graze earned the Service Award, while Matthew Aitchison of The French Café took home the Sommelier Award.
As the first MICHELIN Guide destination in Oceania, New Zealand marks an important milestone for the region’s hospitality industry. The recognition strengthens its reputation as an emerging culinary destination where exceptional food, genuine hospitality and a strong sense of place come together.
