With its magical landscapes and culture-rich history, I don’t need to convince you to visit New Zealand. But now, there’s a delicious new reason to book that plane ticket. Words Jasmine Kazlauskas
Aussie foodies, prepare your palates and book that plane ticket to New Zealand right now. The nation has become the first in Oceania to receive the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Fifteen stars have been awarded to restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, marking a major milestone for New Zealand’s hospitality industry and cementing its spot as a world-class culinary destination.
While no restaurant bagged the coveted three stars, one place has scored two stars and 14 establishments have received one star.
Thirty-five other venues have been recognised with a Bib Gourmand for offering good food at great value, while a further 60 eateries have been reviewed.
Australia does not currently have a Michelin star guide. However, this will all change in October 2026, when a Michelin guide will launch exclusively in South Australia, following a state-backed partnership.
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Which New Zealand restaurant received two stars?
Essence, based in the ROKI Collection Queenstown hotel and perched on a hillside above Lake Wakatipu, was the only restaurant in the country to receive two stars.
Diners can enjoy two types of tasting menus that draw inspiration from seasonal New Zealand produce, finessed by European techniques and creativity.
“To be the only restaurant in New Zealand to have this, two stars at the inaugural NZ Michelin awards, blows my mind,” Paul Froggatt, ROKI Collection Queenstown’s Director of Culinary, told news.com.au. “It was the dream of a young boy many, many years ago… to think I moved to New Zealand to achieve this goal is just amazing.
“Together, we have created something that celebrates New Zealand’s incredible produce, its people and its unique sense of place. My hope is that every guest leaves not only having enjoyed an exceptional meal, but with a genuine connection to this remarkable country.”
The restaurant’s signature dish, dubbed Autumn Walk, has been described as an ‘edible landscape’, with delicate ‘leaves’ made from Jerusalem artichoke, celeriac and pumpkin, evoking a walk through a New Zealand forest.
Another hero dish is the Fiordland langoustine tart, featured on The Journey tasting menu, which showcases premium South Island seafood with refined European technique.
Froggatt recognised the hard work of his entire team to help make this achievement happen.
“Michelin two-stars is a recognition that belongs to every member of our team,” he said. “Our chefs and service team whose passion and commitment make Essence what it is every single day.”
Recognised as Luxury Lodges of New Zealand Chef of the Year 2023/24, Froggatt is regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading culinary talents, known for his refined, produce-led approach and quietly sophisticated style of cooking.
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Who else earned a Michelin star in New Zealand?
In total, 14 New Zealand restaurants receive one Michelin star. In Auckland, Michelin inspectors awarded one star to:
-
- Ahi.
- Mudbrick
- Paris Butter
- Tala
- The Estate
In Wellington, Michelin inspectors awarded one star to:
- Jano Bistro
- Logan Brown
- Ortega
In Christchurch, Michelin inspectors awarded one star to:
- Inati
- Tussock Hill
In Queenstown, Michelin inspectors awarded one star to:
- Amisfield
- Kika
- Rātā
- Sherwood
What do the Michelin stars mean?
- One star denotes ‘high-quality cooking, worth a stop’.
- Two stars indicates ‘excellent cooking, worth a detour’.
- Three stars – the rarest accolade in the world – is a rating reserved for ‘exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey’.
- The Bib Gourmand recognises ‘good quality, good-value cooking’ and highlights exceptional meals at a moderate price.
This article originally appeared on news.com.au. It has been reproduced here with permission, and has been updated with expanded information.
Related story: Why doesn’t Australia have Michelin stars? It’s not about the food
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