New Zealand is set to become Oceania’s first destination to receive the coveted Michelin Guide, whilst Australia has politely declined the opportunity, at least for now.
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Tourism New Zealand confirmed it has signed a deal to launch the inaugural Michelin Guide Aotearoa New Zealand in mid-2026, investing $NZ2.5 million in the first year of the partnership. The move puts Auckland’s Tala and Queenstown’s Amisfield in a prime position to claim the region’s first Michelin stars.
Michelin inspectors are already quietly dining their way through Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, evaluating restaurants against the guide’s famously rigorous standards. The inspectors, who dine anonymously approximately 300 times per year, judge establishments on five criteria: ingredient quality, technical mastery, harmony of flavours, chef personality, and consistency.
Australia’s Response: ‘Not Yet’
Tourism Australia was pitched a similar package, estimated at $40 million over five years, including national and state contributions. However, the organisation characterised its response as ‘not yet’ rather than a flat rejection, stating it remains ‘always open’ to ideas that promote Australia’s culinary offerings.
Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell’s office echoed this sentiment, noting the government will ‘always seek to show off the best of what Australia has to offer’.
Industry figures questioned the decision. ‘We believe it’s time the Michelin Guide comes to Australia, and we’re perplexed at the tourism and trade ministers’ reluctance to invest in it,’ said Wes Lambert, chief executive of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association.
Why It Matters for Travel
For New Zealand, the play extends beyond prestige. Market research commissioned by Tourism New Zealand showed that 80 per cent of prospective travellers from China, India, and the US were more likely to visit knowing it would feature in the Michelin Guide.
‘Food is now one of the biggest motivators for travel,’ said René de Monchy, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand.
For Australian food enthusiasts and luxury travellers, New Zealand’s Michelin-starred restaurants will be just a short flight away. Private charter services make accessing these destinations seamless, whether you’re planning a dedicated culinary journey or combining fine dining with New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes.
For information about charter flights to New Zealand or discussing bespoke travel itineraries, contact Adagold Aviation.
