We are celebrating the news that the world-renowned MICHELIN Guide is coming to Aotearoa. This is a milestone moment that we believe will benefit the entire hospitality sector – an opportunity to attract culinary-focused travellers, celebrate our industry’s people and places, and continue to grow our reputation globally.
Minister Upston and Tourism New Zealand have announced that the inaugural MICHELIN Guide for New Zealand will be unveiled in mid-2026, covering Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. It has been 125 years since the first MICHELIN Guide was published in 1900, and we’re now part of that global story.
The announcement recognises what we’ve always known – that our culinary scene stands proudly alongside the best in the world. Our chefs, producers, and hospitality teams have been delivering excellence for years, and this is a global platform to showcase that.
The Association has been advocating for this for many years – through policy work, discussions with government and tourism leaders, and at last year’s Hospitality Summit where we identified it as a priority initiative. We’ve always believed in the value MICHELIN could bring to our industry, and following this announcement we’re committed to helping our members make the most of it.
MICHELIN guide: The opportunity for New Zealand hospitality
This is about more than just the potential to earn MICHELIN stars. While recognition will undoubtedly shine a spotlight on our most exceptional dining experiences, the greater opportunity is the halo effect it creates for our entire industry.
Global evidence consistently shows that MICHELIN recognition delivers strong value to destinations – attracting high-value culinary tourism, increasing international visibility, and supporting wider economic activity.
Food is already a major draw for New Zealand – 40 per cent of potential visitors say it’s a key driver for choosing us as their destination, and 85 per cent want to experience our local cuisine. The MICHELIN Guide gives us a powerful new tool to turn that appetite into actual bookings.
What MICHELIN in New Zealand means
Whether you’re running a neighbourhood café, a regional restaurant, a casual eatery, or a fine dining establishment, this announcement is important.
The modern MICHELIN Guide celebrates diverse dining experiences – not just white tablecloths and tasting menus. Recent editions around the world have recognised street food vendors, sustainable dining concepts, and local gems that deliver exceptional quality and hospitality.
MICHELIN’s presence can also help us to attract and retain world-class talent. When ambitious young chefs and hospitality professionals see New Zealand as a destination with global recognition, it strengthens our workforce and creates more robust career pathways across the industry.
What’s next?
We expect that many of our members will be excited with this news and the Restaurant Association also has a key role to play in supporting those aspiring for Michelin recognition. Over the coming weeks and months, we plan to roll out more information, including educational resources and workshops and practical support for venues that aspire to global recognition.
We encourage you to sign up for updates. Whether you’re aiming for stars, or simply looking to level up your operation to maximise this opportunity, we want every member to feel equipped, supported, and excited about what’s ahead.
When do MICHELIN guide announce their stars?
MICHELIN will reveal their selections in mid-2026. In our view though, our hospitality scene is already world-class. When those culinary travellers come, they’ll discover that exceptional hospitality experiences exist right across our industry, in every region, at every level. Our ingredients are exceptional. Our cultural influences – Māori, Pacific, Asian, European, and contemporary cosmopolitan – create something unique. And our approach to manaakitanga sets us apart.
This is an opportunity to celebrate our people, showcase our creativity, and invite the world to taste our story. It’s about inspiration, aspiration, and recognition for an industry that has shown incredible resilience, innovation, and professionalism.
For more information:
- MICHELIN adds New Zealand to the menu: Minister Upston’s announcement
- The MICHELIN Guide Expands Its Global Footprint With Its Arrival in Aotearoa New Zealand: Tourism New Zealand and MICHELIN’s announcement
- Restaurant Association welcomes arrival of MICHELIN Guide to New Zealand: Restaurant Association press release
- Restaurant Association MICHELIN Guide hub