For the first time ever, New Zealand has joined the prestigious MICHELIN Guide, making history as the guide’s inaugural entry into the Oceania region. The highly anticipated New Zealand Michelin Guide 2026 features 110 restaurants spanning Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a world-class culinary destination.

The inaugural guide includes:

• 1 restaurant awarded Two MICHELIN Stars
• 14 restaurants awarded One MICHELIN Star
• 35 Bib Gourmand recipients
• 60 MICHELIN Selected restaurants

The recognition places New Zealand firmly on the global gastronomic map and shines a spotlight on the country’s exceptional produce, sustainability ethos and distinctive hospitality culture.

Essence, awarded Two MICHELIN Stars

Essence Earns New Zealand’s Only Two MICHELIN Stars

Leading the list is Essence in Queenstown, the sole recipient of Two MICHELIN Stars in the country.

Led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt, the restaurant overlooks Lake Whakatipu and is known for its contemporary European cuisine and tasting menus that celebrate seasonal New Zealand ingredients. The award recognises restaurants that offer “excellent cooking, worth a detour”, making Essence a must-visit destination for serious food lovers.

Fourteen Restaurants Receive One MICHELIN Star

The inaugural guide also awarded One MICHELIN Star to 14 restaurants across the country:

Auckland

• Ahi.
• Mudbrick
• Paris Butter
• Tala
• The Estate

Wellington

• Jano Bistro
• Logan Brown
• Ortega

Christchurch

• Inati
• Tussock Hill

Queenstown

• Amisfield
• Kika
• Rātā
• Sherwood

According to MICHELIN Guide inspectors, it is unusual for a country’s first edition to receive such a high number of stars, underscoring the maturity and diversity of New Zealand’s dining scene.

More Than Fine Dining: Celebrating New Zealand’s Food Culture

Beyond the accolades, the guide highlights the qualities that make dining in New Zealand unique.

A deep respect for the land and environment, known in Māori culture as tiakitanga, influences how ingredients are grown, harvested and presented. Many restaurants champion seasonal menus, locally sourced produce and close relationships with farmers and producers.

Hospitality is equally important. The Māori concept of manaakitanga—embodying kindness, generosity and care for guests—shapes dining experiences throughout the country. Restaurants are recognised not only for their cuisine but also for creating memorable experiences that connect visitors with local culture and traditions.

35 Restaurants Earn Bib Gourmand Recognition

The Bib Gourmand distinction, awarded to restaurants offering excellent food at moderate prices, was given to 35 establishments across New Zealand.

The selection includes neighbourhood favourites serving everything from Italian and Indian cuisine to Mediterranean and modern New Zealand fare, showcasing the diversity and accessibility of the country’s culinary landscape.

A New Culinary Destination for Travellers

The launch of the New Zealand Michelin Guide arrives at a time when food tourism is becoming an increasingly important reason to travel. From vineyard dining experiences and seafood-driven menus to foraging experiences and farm-to-table concepts, New Zealand offers more than just exceptional meals—it offers a sense of place.

For travellers planning their next food adventure, the inaugural MICHELIN Guide provides plenty of reasons to put New Zealand on the itinerary. With world-class restaurants spread across the country’s most beautiful regions, it’s a destination that now officially lives up to the guide’s famous saying: worth a special journey.

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Images: Tourism New Zealand