Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is ready to welcome the world’s most respected restaurant guide as it comes to Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time.
The announcement today that the MICHELIN Guide will expand into New Zealand in 2026 marks an important moment for the country’s hospitality and tourism industries, and Auckland is expected to play a leading role.
As New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city, Auckland’s food scene spans fine dining to neighbourhood favourites, reflecting the region’s range of cultures and ingredients.
Annie Dundas, Director Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says Michelin’s announcement recognises the quality, growth and maturity of Auckland’s hospitality sector.
“This is a proud moment for the region,” Dundas says. “Our chefs, restaurateurs and producers have built a food culture and reputation that reflects our diversity and connection to place. As food becomes an increasingly important reason why people travel, the guide gives us a powerful way to share that story with the world - one that celebrates our identity as the world’s largest Māori and Pacific city and as a centre for culinary innovation,” Dundas says.
Auckland’s dining scene continues to evolve, shaped by local ingredients, cultural influences and creative talent. In recent years, local chefs and restaurants have gained wider recognition, strengthening Auckland’s reputation as a food destination.
Initiatives led by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited such as Iconic Auckland Eats, which is heading into its sixth year, showcase the dishes and dining experiences that define the region’s food culture, illustrating how hospitality contributes to the city’s visitor appeal and economy.
With the MICHELIN Guide’s arrival, Auckland’s dining scene is set to attract more attention from international visitors and media.
“Now is a great time to book that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try,” Dundas says. “Once the secret is out, those tables are likely to fill quickly.”
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Image Credit: Al Guthrie