Michelin Guide launches in New Zealand - Food Files

Nov 06, 2025

Australia responds to NZ's Michelin win by shouting "PAVLOVA!" into the void.

Michelin has announced the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Aotearoa New Zealand, marking its first-ever expansion into Oceania. The inaugural edition will cover four destinations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Michelin Guide inspectors are already on the ground, preparing their restaurant selection.

Last month, we revealed that Tourism Australia had turned down an offer from the Michelin Guide to establish an Australian edition, citing the high costs of the proposal. It seems that New Zealand tourism authorities don’t have the same qualms, although there is no information available about how much money has changed hands. An official statement from Michelin simply states that “the expansion of the Michelin Guide to Aotearoa New Zealand is made possible through the valued support of Tourism New Zealand”.

The New Zealand restaurant selection is set to be unveiled in the middle of 2026, and inspectors are currently dining anonymously to identify the very best restaurants that showcase the unique character of the key cities’ culinary scenes.

“This recognition is more than a win for our chefs and winemakers – it’s a triumph for our entire hospitality and tourism sector,” says New Zealand’s Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston. “It celebrates the incredible dedication and talent of the people who bring our food and beverage experiences to life every day.”

Views from New Zealand’s most exclusive whisky hut.

What is the Michelin Guide?

The Michelin Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tyre company to support the growth of car travel. To encourage people to explore destinations by car, the then-free guide would provide information like maps, locations of petrol stations and mechanics, as well as lists of hotels and restaurants. Once its restaurant recommendations started to pick up, the guide started to hire restaurant reviewers and charge money for the guide. Eventually, it evolved into the fine-dining bible that it is today.

Ocean-speared pāua and blue cod in Picton, Marlborough.

How does the Michelin Guide award its stars?

Michelin Guide methodology focuses only on the quality of the cuisine proposed by each restaurants, which the anonymous inspectors evaluate by following five universal criteria:

The quality of the ingredients;
The mastery of cooking techniques;
The harmony of flavours;
The personality of the cuisine; and
The consistency both over time and across the menu

The guide then conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection. The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned Michelin stars, awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One Michelin star is awarded to restaurants for ‘high-quality cooking that is worth a stop’, two Michelin stars for ‘excellent cooking that is worth a detour’, and three Michelin stars for ‘exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey’.

Alongside the coveted star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.

Who might be in the running for an NZ Michelin Star?

Much like Australia, New Zealand’s culinary scene has been shaped by a fusion of cultures. The nation’s proud Māori heritage, combined with Pacific and Western influences, have created a truly delicious melting pot that is only highlighted by the fact that this island nation enjoys some of the world’s best produce.

While we can only guess at whose restaurants the Michelin inspectors might be sniffing around at, acclaimed restaurants like Amisfield Restaurant & Cellar Door in Queenstown, chef Josh Emmett’s restaurants Onslow in Auckland and Rātā in Queenstown, The Shed Waiheke Island in Auckland and Ahi. in Auckland are most likely on their lists. Emmett has already worked at several Gordon Ramsay restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars.

Joining the Michelin Guide puts New Zealand firmly on the global culinary map – a destination where food is an experience worth travelling for. Will Australia now follow suit? Only time will tell.