The Michelin Guide, celebrated for its prestigious star ratings awarded to top-tier restaurants worldwide, is branching out into new territory.

In an exciting development, the guide will make its debut in the Oceania region, with an initial focus on four cities in New Zealand for the 2026 edition. This marks a historic step for the Michelin Guide as it sets its sights on Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

It was announced today that Michelin Guide Inspectors are already discreetly visiting these cities, evaluating dining experiences while maintaining anonymity. Their goal is to uncover restaurants that not only excel in culinary excellence but also capture the distinctive essence and flavors of New Zealand’s diverse gastronomy.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guide, shared his excitement about this expansion. He remarked on the thrill of introducing the revered guide to New Zealand for the first time, a move that promises to spotlight the country’s vibrant and unique culinary scene on a global stage.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, said he was ‘thrilled’ to bring the Guide to New Zealand for the very first time.

‘The country offers a rich and diverse culinary landscape, shaped by its indigenous Māori heritage, Pacific influences, and a new generation of chefs who champion local produce with creativity and passion,’ Gwendal said.

‘By highlighting the exceptional restaurants of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, we hope to share with the world the unique flavours and talent that make New Zealand such an exciting gastronomic destination.’

The upcoming edition, due for release in mid-2026, is set to cement New Zealand’s status on the global culinary map – and is expected to entice foodie tourists to its shores.

For the first time ever, The Michelin Guide will be expanding into Oceania. Restaurants are being considered across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown

The Michelin Guide has been operating for 125 years. Any restaurant selected for inclusion not only receives the prestigious title and accolade, but often enjoys a flow-on effect of increased business.

Inspectors evaluate restaurants according to five universal criteria – and these are currently being applied to venues in New Zealand. 

The criteria are: the quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, the personality of the cuisine, and consistency, both over time and across the menu.

The recognised restaurants are then awarded up to three of the prestigious Michelin Stars.

One Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants for ‘high-quality cooking that is worth a stop’. Two Michelin Stars are given out for ‘excellent cooking that is worth a detour’.

The highest distinction is three Michelin Stars, given to restaurants offering ‘exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey’.

As of 2025, there are approximately 157 restaurants worldwide who are recipients of the highest accolade.

Some of the best-known venues to earn the top honour include L’Enclume in England, The French Laundry in California US, Atelier Crenn in San Francisco US, Maido in Peru, and Restaurant Bareiss in Germany.

Michelin Guide Inspectors are already on the ground in New Zealand, evaluating restaurants to determine whether they should be awarded up to three prestigious Michelin Stars

The inclusion of New Zealand’s best restaurants in the Michelin Guide has the potential of transforming it into an exciting gastronomic destination

The Michelin Guide’s mission has stayed mostly unchanged since its inception: to guide international travellers and local food lovers to the best restaurants, to highlight global culinary scenes, and to promote travel culture.

Interestingly, the Guide was founded in 1900 by the Michelin tyre company as a way to encourage growth of the then-burgeoning automobile industry.

Although Australia is renowned for its world-class dining, none of its restaurants have ever received a Michelin Star. The reason? The Michelin Guide has never been able to reach an agreement with Australia’s tourism authorities to fund a local edition.

Tourism New Zealand, on the other hand, is reported to have invested $NZ2.5 million in the first year of their partnership with the Michelin Guide.

Reports suggest Tourism Australia passed on a similar opportunity last year, but a spokesperson recently told the Australian Financial Review the door is ‘always open’ for future discussions.

The evaluation process for inclusion in the Michelin Guide is famously rigorous. 

Inspectors are full-time employees who dine out roughly 300 times a year. Each visit is anonymous, and inspectors pay their own bills.

The identities of the inspectors are also fiercely protected, with reports of them not even being allowed to reveal their job to friends.