- Hon Louise Upston
New Zealand's world-class hospitality sector is shining on the global stage, with MICHELIN Guide recognising Kiwi restaurants as must-visit destinations for food lovers, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
Several New Zealand establishments are listed in the first MICHELIN Guide in Oceania, recognising excellence in their craft.
"Congratulations to Essence, which was awarded two MICHELIN Stars - an incredible achievement.
"Fourteen restaurants - Tala, Inati, Ahi, Ortega, The Estate, Rātā, Logan Brown, Jano Bistro, Tussock Hill, Sherwood, Kika, Paris Butter, Mudbrick, and Amisfield - were awarded one MICHELIN Star. These achievements recognise New Zealand's truly exceptional dining experiences," says Louise Upston.
"Thirty-five Kiwi restaurants have received Bib Gourmand distinctions, which celebrate high-quality food offered at good value, and there have been special awards handed out to three chefs.
"Being included in the MICHELIN Guide is a mark of professional recognition which reflects overall quality and consistency for a restaurant. Sixty New Zealand restaurants have achieved this distinction tonight. This recognition places New Zealand firmly on the world stage as an amazing food destination.
"That's important because we know food and dining play a key part of what international visitors want to experience while in New Zealand, and because hospitality more broadly is vital to New Zealand. The sector is a major engine of our economy, contributing around $9 billion to our GDP each year.
"We also know the quality of New Zealand's culinary offerings through our exports and again, the MICHELIN Guide reinforces that.
"We currently feed 40 million people across the world with exports such as our dairy, red meat, horticulture and wine. The MICHELIN Guide will help further reinforce the New Zealand story on the global stage - the guide is recognised as a confirmation of excellence in dining.
"While the guide focuses on Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, it also helps shine a light on New Zealand's entire hospitality sector, encouraging visitors to explore outstanding regional food and beverage experiences across the country.
"Tourism New Zealand will use the buzz generated by the Guide's launch to showcase all of New Zealand's food and beverage offering and continue to grow tourism.
"Our Government congratulates all the restaurants and individuals highlighted in the first MICHELIN Guide for New Zealand," Louise Upston says.
Notes to Editors:
MICHELIN Guide New Zealand Star recipients
Two Stars:
Essence - Queenstown
One Star:
Tala - Auckland
Inati - Christchurch
Ahi. - Auckland
Ortega - Wellington
The Estate - Waiheke Island
Rāta - Queenstown
Logan Brown - Wellington
Jano Bistro - Wellington
Tussock Hill - Christchurch
Sherwood - Queenstown
Kika - Wānaka
Paris Butter - Auckland
Mudbrick - Waiheke Island
Amisfield - Queenstown
MICHELIN Guide New Zealand Special Awards:
MICHELIN Guide New Zealand Young Chef Award:
Robert Fairs - Londo, Christchurch
MICHELIN Guide New Zealand Service Award:
Stina Persen - Graze, Wellington
MICHELIN Guide New Zealand Sommelier Award
Matthew Aitchison - The French Café, Auckland
More information about the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 Restaurant Selection can be found here.
