Michelin Launches NZ Guide

July 1, 2026

Michelin-worthy food at <nobr>Pen-y-bryn</nobr> Lodge — Not from a Michelin-starred restaurant, this is from Pen-y-bryn Lodge

Last night at a gala ceremony in Auckland, Michelin officially launched its first guide to New Zealand — a landmark moment that marks Michelin’s first-ever entry into Oceania. The guide recognises 110 restaurants across the country, 15 of which received one or two Michelin stars.

The results beautifully reflect the breadth of New Zealand’s food scene. Alongside the expected French, Italian and contemporary fine-dining entries, stars were awarded to restaurants championing Māori, Pacific and Asian cuisines — including Tala, which made Michelin history as the first Samoan restaurant anywhere in the world to be starred.

For those planning a South Island visit, seven of the fifteen starred restaurants are in Christchurch, Wānaka or Queenstown (Inati, Tussock Hill, Amisfield, Essence, Kika, Rātā and Sherwood) — and a good number of the broader 110 listings fall in the same area. Here is a link to the full results so you can start planning.

We’re thrilled for New Zealand’s restaurant community, and of course we hope you’ll include a stay with us at Pen-y-bryn as part of your trip, where we feel our culinary offerings hold their own against some of New Zealand’s more famous restaurants!