Michelin Guide adds Aotearoa to the menu

The Michelin Guide is landing in Aotearoa for the very first time.

Michelin Guide inspectors have already landed on New Zealand shores and are anonymously preparing their restaurant selection for Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

This marks the Michelin Guides’s first ever expansion into Oceania. Delivered in partnership with Tourism New Zelaand, the inaugural edition for Aotearoa is set to be unveiled in mid-2026.

Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec says Michelin is thrilled to bring the guide to Aotearoa for the first time.

“The country offers a rich and diverse culinary landscape, shaped by its indigenous Māori heritage, Pacific influences and a new generation of chefs who champion local produce with creativity and passion. By highlighting the exceptional restaurants of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, we hope to share with the world the unique flavours and talent that make New Zealand such an exciting gastronomic destination.

“The decision to enter New Zealand was based on the culinary potential and maturity of the destination, assessed through years of inspector visits.”

Special PR to lead Aotearoa extension

Special PR has been appointed by The Michelin Guide to represent its extension into Aotearoa – tasked with delivering domestic and global media relations services.

The agency’s appointment follows on from the award-winning Pou-o-Kai campaign delivered by Special PR for Tourism New Zealand in 2024.

Pou-o-Kai was billed as the “restaurant with the most stars”.  Nestled under the starry skies of Castle Hill in Canterbury, it was a showcase of New Zealand’s food and drink to 50 global culinary influencers.

Tourism New Zealand GM of marketing Brodie McLeish says Pou-o-kai was more than just a restaurant.

“It was an invitation to Michelin, and it is awesome that they heard us and have confirmed our incredible New Zealand hospitality is worthy of inclusion. We believe today’s announcement will drive a significant uplift in tourism visitation, and stronger investment in our hospitality and restaurant sectors.”

Special PR managing director Kelly Grindle adds: “’The “restaurant with the most stars’” drove exceptional attention for our cuisine in 2024. We’re beyond proud to be part of the announcement today, which feels like a full circle moment for us.”

Global stage

Joining the Michelin Guide puts Aotearoa on the global culinary map, a destination where food is an experience worth travelling for. It validates the excellence of New Zealand’s chefs, producers and hospitality and invites discerning travellers to explore through taste.

The announcement of the Michelin Guide’s debut in New Zealand follows on the heels of the 2025 Michelin Global Keys reveal which recognises excellence in hospitality. Nineteen New Zealand hotels received Michelin Key distinction for excellence in design, architecture, service and personality.

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