New Zealand’s culinary reputation has reached a historic milestone. For the first time, The MICHELIN Guide has expanded into Oceania, with the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 recognizing 110 outstanding restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. The debut firmly establishes Aotearoa as one of the world’s premier food destinations and gives travelers another compelling reason to explore the country’s remarkable landscapes—one unforgettable meal at a time.
A Landmark Moment for New Zealand Dining
After months of anonymous inspections, MICHELIN inspectors awarded a total of 15 Michelin Stars to restaurants throughout New Zealand.
Leading the list is Essence in Queenstown, which earned the country’s only Two MICHELIN Stars. Executive Chef Paul Froggatt’s tasting menus showcase premium seasonal New Zealand ingredients while overlooking the breathtaking waters of Lake Whakatipu, creating what inspectors considered a destination worthy of a special journey.
An additional 14 restaurants received One MICHELIN Star, spread across the country’s four featured regions:
- Auckland: Ahi., Mudbrick, Paris Butter, Tala, The Estate
- Wellington: Jano Bistro, Logan Brown, Ortega
- Christchurch: Inati, Tussock Hill
- Queenstown: Amisfield, Kika, Rātā, Sherwood
More Than Fine Dining
Beyond the starred restaurants, the inaugural guide also recognized 35 Bib Gourmand establishments for exceptional value and 60 MICHELIN Selected restaurants that showcase the breadth and diversity of New Zealand’s culinary scene. Together, they reflect a dining culture built on outstanding ingredients, creative chefs, and genuine hospitality.
A Cuisine Defined by Place
According to MICHELIN inspectors, one quality stood out above all others: purity.
Whether dining in bustling Auckland or the alpine landscapes of Queenstown, visitors encounter chefs who allow seasonal ingredients to take center stage. Fresh seafood, locally raised meats, native herbs, artisan produce, and regional wines are celebrated with restraint, allowing New Zealand’s natural bounty to shine.
The country’s culinary philosophy is deeply connected to Māori values. Tiakitanga, the principle of guardianship and caring for the land, influences how ingredients are grown, harvested, and sourced. Equally important is Manaakitanga, the tradition of welcoming guests with generosity, warmth, and respect—a quality that defines the dining experience from neighborhood bistros to world-renowned restaurants.
Four Cities, Four Distinct Culinary Experiences
Each destination featured in the inaugural guide offers its own unique identity.
Auckland showcases remarkable diversity, blending contemporary New Zealand cuisine with Pacific, Asian, European, and Indigenous influences.
Wellington continues to strengthen its reputation as the country’s creative capital, with restaurants emphasizing seafood, innovative cooking techniques, and intimate dining experiences.
Christchurch combines refined European influences with locally sourced ingredients, while its growing restaurant scene reflects the city’s continuing transformation.
Meanwhile, Queenstown pairs spectacular alpine scenery with world-class dining, offering everything from vineyard restaurants to sophisticated tasting menus overlooking Lake Whakatipu.
Dining That Reflects the Landscape
One of the defining characteristics of New Zealand cuisine is its close relationship with the environment.
Restaurants throughout the country celebrate their surroundings by incorporating produce grown in on-site gardens, sustainably harvested seafood, locally foraged ingredients, and wines produced just steps from the dining room.
Whether enjoying lunch at a vineyard, dining beside dramatic mountain ranges, or sampling seafood harvested from pristine coastal waters, the setting becomes as much a part of the experience as the food itself.
Tourism New Zealand Invites the World to Dinner
Tourism New Zealand sees the arrival of The MICHELIN Guide as recognition of far more than individual restaurants.
The guide celebrates the country’s people, culture, sustainable food production, and hospitality while encouraging travelers to experience New Zealand through its cuisine. Although the inaugural edition focuses on Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, exceptional dining experiences can also be found throughout the country—from the wineries of Hawke’s Bay to the seafood-rich waters of Marlborough.
Why Food Lovers Should Add New Zealand to Their Travel List
For many travelers, unforgettable journeys are defined as much by what they eat as by what they see. With the arrival of The MICHELIN Guide, New Zealand has firmly established itself among the world’s great culinary destinations.
Combined with spectacular landscapes, award-winning wineries, Māori culture, outdoor adventure, and warm hospitality, the country’s emerging collection of Michelin-recognized restaurants offers yet another reason to make the journey to Aotearoa.
Whether your itinerary includes cosmopolitan Auckland, vibrant Wellington, revitalized Christchurch, or scenic Queenstown, exceptional dining is now officially part of the New Zealand travel experience.
Top 10 New Zealand MICHELIN Restaurants to Add to Your Itinerary
- Essence (Queenstown) – Two MICHELIN Stars
- Ahi. (Auckland) – One MICHELIN Star
- Paris Butter (Auckland) – One MICHELIN Star
- Mudbrick (Waiheke Island, Auckland) – One MICHELIN Star
- Tala (Auckland) – One MICHELIN Star
- Ortega (Wellington) – One MICHELIN Star
- Logan Brown (Wellington) – One MICHELIN Star
- Tussock Hill (Christchurch) – One MICHELIN Star
- Rātā (Queenstown) – One MICHELIN Star
- Sherwood (Queenstown) – One MICHELIN Star
