Auckland to host New Zealand’s first Michelin Guide restaurant awards

Friday, 26 June 2026

The country’s hospitality industry will gather at the New Zealand International Convention Centre next week for the inaugural Michelin Guide Restaurant Ceremony.

Auckland is preparing to host a milestone event for New Zealand’s hospitality industry, with the country’s first Michelin Guide Restaurant Ceremony set to take place next week.

The inaugural awards will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) on June 30, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, industry leaders and media from across the country.

The ceremony marks the first time the Michelin Guide has staged restaurant awards in New Zealand and the wider Oceania region.

Tourism New Zealand wasted no time in sending a heartfelt congratulations across the ditch to Adelaide and South Australia for being included in the guide.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said hosting the event was recognition of Auckland’s growing reputation as a food destination.

“Food is one of the most powerful ways we tell Auckland’s story. It reflects who we are as a city – our diversity, our cultures, our connection to exceptional local produce and the creativity of our hospitality sector,” Hill said.

“We are proud to host the inaugural Michelin Guide Awards Ceremony and to welcome industry leaders from around New Zealand and the world to Auckland for this important occasion.”

Hill said food tourism was becoming an increasingly important drawcard, with travellers seeking authentic dining experiences that reflected a destination’s culture and identity.

“Food creates a sense of place and gives visitors another reason to spend time exploring Auckland,” he said.

“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in initiatives that celebrate Auckland’s unique food culture and help tell the stories behind our dining scene.”

One of those initiatives is Iconic Auckland Eats, now in its sixth year, which showcases dishes nominated by the public and highlights restaurants, cafés and food experiences across the region.

Hill said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate the wider hospitality sector regardless of the outcome.

“Whatever the outcome on Tuesday, we’re proud of the contribution Auckland’s hospitality industry makes to New Zealand’s dining reputation,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming guests to our city and celebrating the people and businesses that make New Zealand’s dining scene what it is.”

The Michelin Guide is regarded as one of the world’s most influential restaurant rating systems, with its coveted stars widely recognised as a benchmark of culinary excellence.