New Zealand has long been celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, world-class wines and exceptional local produce. Now, the country’s culinary excellence has received one of the highest international endorsements, with the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand awarding its first collection of coveted stars in this part of the world.
Following months of anonymous inspections, the MICHELIN Guide has delivered an incredible breadth of local recognition with one restaurant being awarded two MICHELIN stars (our huge congratulations to Paul Frogatt and all at ROKI Collection Queenstown on Essence’s well-deserved recognition!) – and fourteen restaurants across the country securing one MICHELIN star. A further thirty-five establishments have been celebrated with a Bib Gourmand for exceptional quality and value, and another sixty local restaurants are featured in the debut MICHELIN Guide New Zealand.
As Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, noted, “It is rare to award such a quantity of Stars in a country’s inaugural launch. New Zealand’s performance has been genuinely impressive.”
For those who know New Zealand well, however, these accolades simply affirm what has long been one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Exceptional dining is woven throughout the country’s diverse regions, where pristine natural environments, passionate producers and talented chefs come together to create truly memorable experiences.
Across New Zealand, cuisine is deeply connected to place. From the vineyards and world-class wineries of Marlborough, Martinborough, Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay; the coastal bounty of Northland, Fiordland and the wild West Coast or the Canterbury lamb, fruits and artisan dairy products, each region offers its own distinctive flavours and culinary traditions.
The MICHELIN Guide inspectors recognised exactly this connection, describing New Zealand as “a contemporary culinary map shaped by unique terroir and a food culture in quiet harmony with nature.” It is a philosophy that values purity, seasonality and provenance, allowing exceptional ingredients to speak for themselves while showcasing the character of each region.
For Southern Crossings guests, these experiences have always been at the heart of discovering New Zealand. Whether enjoying a private wine tasting with a celebrated winemaker, dining at a vineyard overlooking rolling vines, joining a local chef to forage for seasonal ingredients, or securing reservations at one of the country’s newly starred restaurants, food becomes an unforgettable part of the journey.
As New Zealand steps onto the global stage as a MICHELIN destination, travellers have even more reason to explore beyond the country’s iconic landscapes. Every region offers opportunities to savour its unique flavours, meet passionate local producers and discover why food and wine have become defining elements of the New Zealand experience.
At Southern Crossings, we take great delight in curating bespoke journeys that combine the country’s spectacular scenery, local produce and passionate producers with its internationally recognised culinary excellence, ensuring every meal is as memorable as the destination itself.
Full list of Michelin star recipients
Auckland
Ahi
Mudbrick – Waiheke Island
Paris Butter
Tala
Tantalus Estate Restaurant – Waiheke Island
Wellington
Jano Bistro
Logan Brown
Ortega Fish Shack
Christchurch
Inati
Tussock Hill
Queenstown
Amisfield
Essence – two stars
Rātā
Sherwood
Wānaka
Kika
Bib Gourmand winners
Auckland
Apero Food & Wine
Atelier
Bianca
Bistro Saine
Boda
Cazador
Gemmayze Street
Goat
Milenta
Osteria Uno
Paloma Taqueria
Parro
Pasta & Cuore
Tempero
Wellington
154 Pastaria
Cicio Cacio
Hummingbird
Indian Alley
Christchurch
A’mano
The Athens Yacht Club
Fire and Slice
Gatherings
Londo
The Monday Room
Odeon
Roca
Soul Quarter
Queenstown
Aosta
Bombay Palace
Francesca
Muttonbird
Sundays
The Cow
Treehouse
Image: Essence at ROKI Collection Queenstown