New Zealand is about to be on the global radar for foodie travellers thanks to a little red book
If New Zealand wasn't already on the map for foodie travellers, it's about to be, thanks to the introduction of the Michelin Guide Aotearoa New Zealand.
Set to be released in mid-2026, the Kiwi edition of the famous red book will be the first in the Oceania region after a deal with Tourism New Zealand.
The inaugural edition will cover four destinations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
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The Michelin Guide Aotearoa New Zealand is set to launch in 2026. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Andrew Waddel, Regional Director for Tourism New Zealand, tells 9Travel it's exciting for the country to be recognised on such a global stage, especially given that Australia is not.
"New Zealand food and wine really hold its own on the global culinary stage," he shared in a statement.
"What makes our food scene truly unique is the uncompromising quality of our ingredients, the creativity of our chefs, and a deeply rooted food identity that's unmistakably ours."
Michelin inspectors are already quietly dining their way through the country in search of the best restaurants to include in the guide.
They judge on five criteria: ingredient quality, technical mastery, harmony of flavours, chef personality and consistency.
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The guide will cover four destinations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Nine/Supplied
Tourism bosses say each destination has a "distinct culinary personality". Instagram
As for what each city has to offer in the food space, Andrew says there are plenty of standouts travellers can experience.
"Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington each has a distinct culinary personality, bringing its own flavour to New Zealand's dynamic food landscape," he shares.
"From Auckland's multiculturalism and Polynesian influence, Wellington's unbeatable coffee and creative café scene, Christchurch's relaxed southern charm and farm-fresh flavours, and Queenstown's alpine dining paired with world-class wines – it's a foodie road trip waiting to happen."
It will be the first guide to be released in Oceania. Getty
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 New Zealand knowing it would feature in the Michelin Guide.
Research from Booking.com's 'Taste of Home Asia Pacific Report' echoed this, finding 82 per cent of Australians have chosen a destination just to visit a specific restaurant or food spot.
Inspectors are making their way around New Zealand. Oaks Hotels
So why is Australia not included?
AFR reports Tourism Australia said its response to having a guide wasn't a flat "no" but rather "not yet", and that it is "always open" to ideas that promote Australia's culinary offerings.
Michelin told the publication the door remains open to Australia.
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