The global culinary map has expanded with a major milestone as Aotearoa New Zealand officially becomes the first country in Oceania to be featured in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide. The inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 celebrates 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, recognising the country’s growing reputation as one of the world’s most exciting food destinations.
The debut edition highlights the diversity and quality of New Zealand’s dining scene. Among the recognised establishments are one restaurant awarded Two MICHELIN Stars, 14 restaurants receiving One MICHELIN Star, 35 Bib Gourmand recipients for offering exceptional food at reasonable prices, and 60 restaurants included in the MICHELIN Selected category.
Queenstown’s Essence Earns Two MICHELIN Stars
The biggest honour of the inaugural guide went to Essence in Queenstown, which became New Zealand’s only restaurant to receive the coveted Two MICHELIN Stars. Led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt, the restaurant impressed MICHELIN inspectors with its refined cooking, creative presentation and strong connection to seasonal local produce.
Located on a hillside overlooking the picturesque Lake Whakatipu, Essence offers an intimate dining experience where the spotlight remains firmly on the cuisine. Its tasting menus celebrate premium New Zealand ingredients, combining modern culinary techniques with elegant flavours that reflect the country’s natural richness.
Reacting to the achievement, Executive Chef Paul Froggatt described the recognition as a dream come true. He credited the entire restaurant team, along with local suppliers and growers, for helping create a dining experience worthy of international acclaim. Froggatt also said New Zealand has one of the world’s most compelling food stories, and the award reflects the dedication of everyone involved.
A Landmark Moment for New Zealand’s Culinary Industry
The launch of the MICHELIN Guide marks a defining moment for New Zealand’s hospitality sector. Following months of anonymous inspections by MICHELIN’s expert inspectors, restaurants across the country were assessed on the quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, consistency and the personality expressed through the cuisine.
The inclusion of New Zealand in the renowned guide is expected to strengthen the country’s global culinary reputation while encouraging food lovers from around the world to explore its restaurants alongside its famous natural landscapes.
The recognition also shines a spotlight on local farmers, fishermen, artisans and producers whose ingredients form the foundation of New Zealand’s modern cuisine. Many award-winning restaurants have embraced a farm-to-table philosophy, highlighting fresh regional produce and sustainable practices.
More Than Fine Dining
While the MICHELIN Stars celebrate exceptional culinary excellence, the guide also recognises restaurants offering outstanding value. Thirty-five establishments have received the Bib Gourmand distinction, acknowledging venues that deliver high-quality meals at accessible prices. Meanwhile, another 60 restaurants have earned a place in the MICHELIN Selected category, reflecting the depth and diversity of New Zealand’s dining scene.
With its first-ever MICHELIN Guide, New Zealand has firmly established itself as a world-class culinary destination. The recognition not only honours the country’s finest chefs and restaurants but also reinforces its reputation as a place where breathtaking landscapes and remarkable food experiences come together.
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