Tourism New Zealand congratulates the 110 hospitality establishments featured in the first ever MICHELIN Guide for Aotearoa New Zealand and Oceania.

The fact that one restaurant was awarded Two MICHELIN Stars, 14 establishments received one MICHELIN Stars and 35 received Bib Gourmand distinctions is an incredible endorsement of New Zealand’s culinary scene and now it’s time to share this with the world. We also acknowledge three recipients of the Special Awards.

Some 60 establishments were MICHELIN Guide Selected – recognised by inspectors for high quality cooking and ingredients, signalling the strength and credibility of New Zealand’s culinary scene

“Food is one of the most powerful ways people connect with a place, and we know it plays a big role in travel decisions. MICHELIN Guide’s recognition gives visitors confidence in the quality of New Zealand’s food and beverage scene and provides a strong platform to share our story with the world, inspiring more people to experience it for themselves,” says Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy.

Research shows 90% of frequent travellers trust the MICHELIN Guide and 80% are willing to spend more to go to a restaurant recognised by the MICHELN Guide.

Food tourism is also a valuable segment to New Zealand. Food-activity participants are high-value visitors — their average total trip spend is nearly $800 higher per trip compared to the overall visitor average (Source: International Visitor Survey YEMar 2026).

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown all feature MICHELIN star restaurants offering a uniquely New Zealand take on international cuisine and a unique New Zealand flavour.

“New Zealand cuisine is rooted in the distinctiveness of our amazing landscapes, the warm and distinctive culture of our people, and the purity and freshness of our ingredients,” continues René.

“What the selection celebrates is that distinctiveness; the fact that our chefs aren't chasing a global fine dining template but cooking from an honest connection to where they are and what surrounds them.”

“And behind every plate that impressed MICHELIN's inspectors is an entire ecosystem: the growers, fishers, foragers and producers who make that cooking possible. The selection is recognition of individual restaurants, yes, but more than that, it's validation of an entire food culture that has been quietly building for decades.”

Tourism New Zealand is leveraging the global attention to spotlight our unique food and beverage story across the country by extending an ‘Invitation to Dinner’ to the world.

The new integrated campaign kicks off today, includes:

• A launch video featuring content captured at the MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony will mark the start of the campaign from 1 July.
• 11 video invitations featuring the people behind New Zealand’s food story – from growers and producers through to chefs and restaurant teams across the country. These were captured in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura and Fiordland.
• A series of media, influencers and travel trade ambassador famils will take 40 guests from 14 visitor markets to the four MICHELIN Guide regions and beyond—from Rotorua to Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough and Southland.
• A homepage on NewZealand.com so our global audiences can explore New Zealand’s offering.
• Global release of press materials to help elevate New Zealand’s food and drink scene.
• Travel trade content to help travel sellers build their clients New Zealand food experience.
• A toolkit for the food & beverage sector to extend their own Invitation to Dinner.

Tourism New Zealand’s food and beverage approach features four pillars that help us tell the story of Taste Aotearoa New Zealand. They are:

Tiakitanga
In New Zealand sustainability is more than a goal – it’s a guiding principle.

Pure Flavour
Our producers work in harmony with nature, knowing that when the environment flourishes, so does everything it creates.

Manaakitanga
Manaakitanga is what transforms our food from a product into true personal connection.

Shared moments
Our diverse regions are the foundation and setting for how every food and beverage moment is shared and treasured.

TNZ has worked closely with the hospitality sector and a range of partners to shape our approach to food and beverage for the coming year. Working in partnership, we will use this moment to continue to promote New Zealand’s world-class food and beverage offering to drive visitation.

“New Zealand's culinary identity has arrived on the world stage, and this is just the beginning,” concludes René. 

TNZ encourages the tourism sector to get in behind this work and help share our food and beverage story. A toolkit has been developed with guidelines to help industry get involved and share their unique products with our global audience.