Rotorua’s Te Pā Tū – Image: Tourism New Zealand (TNZ)
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) has launched “An Invitation to Dinner”, an integrated campaign inviting international audiences to experience New Zealand’s food and beverage story first-hand. The campaign follows the publication of the first ever Michelin Guide New Zealand and features video invitations from the people behind the NZ food story — including growers, producers, chefs and restaurant teams — captured across Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikōura and Fiordland.
“We’re firmly focused on reaching 3.9 million international visitor arrivals by 30 December this year and international visitation contributing $14.4 billion by 30 June 2027, to put us on track for doubling the value of exports by 2034.”says Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy.
“TNZ congratulates the 110 hospitality establishments featured in the Michelin Guide for Aotearoa New Zealand and Oceania”, says de Monchy.
Wellington’s Garage Project Brewery – Image: TNZ
“The fact that one restaurant was awarded Two MICHELIN Stars, 14 establishments received one Michelin Stars and 35 received Bib Gourmand distinctions is an incredible endorsement of New Zealand’s culinary scene and now it’s time to share this with the world. We also acknowledge three recipients of the Special Awards.
“Food is one of the most powerful ways people connect with a place, and we know it plays a big role in travel decisions. Michelin Guide’s recognition gives visitors confidence in the quality of New Zealand’s food and beverage scene and provides a strong platform to share our story with the world, inspiring more people to experience it for themselves,” says Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy.
Research shows 90% of frequent travellers trust the Michelin Guide and 80% are willing to spend more to go to a restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide.
New Zealand food tourism
Food tourism is also a valuable segment to Aotearoa NZ. Food-activity participants are high-value visitors — their average total trip spend is nearly $800 higher per trip compared to the overall visitor average (Source: International Visitor Survey YEMar 2026).
Kaikoura’s Nin’s Bin – Image: TNZ
Aotearoa’s take on international cuisine
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown all feature Michelin star restaurants offering a uniquely New Zealand take on international cuisine and a unique New Zealand flavour.
“New Zealand cuisine is rooted in the distinctiveness of our amazing landscapes, the warm and distinctive culture of our people, and the purity and freshness of our ingredients,” continues René.
“What the selection celebrates is that distinctiveness; the fact that our chefs aren’t chasing a global fine dining template but cooking from an honest connection to where they are and what surrounds them.”
“And behind every plate that impressed Michelin’s inspectors is an entire ecosystem: the growers, fishers, foragers and producers who make that cooking possible. The selection is recognition of individual restaurants, yes, but more than that, it’s validation of an entire food culture that has been quietly building for decades.”
Hawke’s Bay’s Black Barn – Image: TNZ
Explore more on NewZealand.com .
NAN/TNZ 06-07-26
You might also like:
NEW ZEALAND: First ever Michelin-Stars awarded to Aotearoa restaurants
The MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 Restaurant Selection debuts with 110 establishments: 1 Two MICHELIN Stars, 14 One MICHELIN Star, 35 Bib Gourmand, and 60 MICHELIN Selected Marking the Guide’s first expansion into Oceania, the inaugural selection spans Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, showcasing a rich diversity of culinary traditions and modern interpretations The MICHELIN more…
