30 Jun 2026
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As the MICHELIN Guide’s first-ever destination in Oceania – and the furthest the Guide has ever travelled to – Aotearoa New Zealand will be celebrated with an evening honouring the country’s rich food culture, deep connection to land and sea, and the spirit of manaakitanga at the heart of Kiwi hospitality. The initial selection will spotlight four of the country’s culinary destinations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, says: “After nearly a year of inspections, we are proud to recognise the talent and passion shaping New Zealand’s dining scene. While we apply the same standards globally, our Inspectors are trained to recognise excellence in all its forms - from refined fine dining to simple, authentic experiences. Our Inspectors have been impressed by the diversity, quality and authenticity found across the four regions, as well as the warmth and generosity that define cuisine in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
The event will bring together industry leaders, chefs, restaurateurs and partners locally and around the world, placing an international spotlight on Aotearoa New Zealand as an emerging food and travel destination. More than a ceremony, the occasion marks a defining moment in the evolution of New Zealand’s culinary identity. It will also be livestreamed globally via the MICHELIN Guide’s official YouTube channel.
The ceremony will reveal the full restaurant selection, including MICHELIN Star, Bib Gourmand and Selected distinctions, alongside individual Special Awards recognizing exceptional talent and leadership within New Zealand’s vibrant dining and culinary scene.
Following the ceremony, guests will experience an exclusive culinary celebration featuring internationally acclaimed chefs from the MICHELIN Guide community, alongside a series of surprise appearances from local talents. Joining the evening are chef Nobu Lee of NOBUO, the New Zealand-born chef behind one of Taiwan’s most celebrated one MICHELIN-starred restaurants and chef Michael Cimarusti of Providence in Los Angeles, the globally renowned seafood restaurant currently holding Three MICHELIN Stars.
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Header Image: Restaurant Ceremony New Zealand 2026. © The MICHELIN Guide
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