Michelin Guide New Zealand: Dining for Incentive Groups

Short answer: New Zealand's first Michelin Guide was revealed on 30 June 2026. It lists 110 restaurants in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, with one two-star, 14 one-star and 35 Bib Gourmand restaurants. Explera DMC New Zealand plans group dining around the selection, from private dinners to Bib Gourmand tables for larger groups.

The guide is Michelin's first selection in Oceania, and Tourism New Zealand supported its launch.

What is in the first Michelin Guide New Zealand?

The cities. The first edition covers Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
The stars. One restaurant has two Michelin Stars: Essence in Queenstown. 14 restaurants have one Michelin Star.
Bib Gourmand. 35 restaurants have a Bib Gourmand, Michelin's award for good food at moderate prices.
Michelin Selected. 60 more restaurants are in the guide as Michelin Selected.
The ceremony. The selection was revealed at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland on 30 June 2026.

Seared scallops in a yellow sauce being garnished on a white plate

What does it mean for incentive and MICE groups?

A reason to choose a city. A starred or listed restaurant gives an incentive dinner a clear story that clients understand in any market.
Small rooms. Many fine-dining restaurants seat only a small number of guests. A large group may need a private hire of the whole restaurant, or a split into smaller tables.
Set menus. Groups are usually served a set menu. Dietary needs are agreed in advance, so we collect them with the rooming list.
Demand. Restaurants in the guide may be harder to book after the launch. We ask for group dates early, especially in Queenstown in summer and in ski season.
Bib Gourmand for larger groups. Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected restaurants can suit larger groups or a less formal night.

A plate of prawns with tomato and herbs being set down on a dark wooden table

How we plan a group dinner around the guide

Match the restaurant to the group. We check the group size, the budget level and the style of the evening before we suggest a restaurant.
Confirm the details. We confirm private hire, minimum spend terms, menu and timings in writing with the restaurant.
Plan the transfer. We plan a coach or private transfers to and from the dinner, so no client needs to drive.
Add wine. Many of the restaurants are close to wine regions, so a dinner can join a winery day.
No guarantees we cannot give. We do not have contracts with the restaurants in the guide. Every booking depends on the restaurant's own availability and terms.

How Explera DMC New Zealand can help

We plan MICE and incentive programmes, food and wine tours and luxury and VIP travel. See our Queenstown destination guide, our MICE and incentives guide and our wine regions guide.

FAQ

Which cities are in the Michelin Guide New Zealand? The first edition covers Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

How many restaurants are in the first selection? 110 restaurants: one with two Michelin Stars, 14 with one Michelin Star, 35 with a Bib Gourmand and 60 Michelin Selected restaurants.

Which restaurant has two Michelin Stars? Essence in Queenstown is the only restaurant in the first selection with two Michelin Stars.

Can a large incentive group dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant? Often only with a private hire or split tables, because many fine-dining restaurants are small. We check each restaurant's group terms and availability.

Does Explera DMC New Zealand have contracts with Michelin restaurants? No. We book on behalf of the group, and every booking depends on the restaurant's own availability and terms.