BY JONATHAN HERMANN
Even though New Zealand’ s wine and food scene has long been known as an epicenter of epicurean delight, the Michelin Guide— that storied surveyor of gastronomic greatness— did not recognize it as such for many years. That all changed in June 2026 as New Zealand became home to the first Michelinstar restaurant in Oceania. Michelin’ s inaugural guide in New Zealand spans 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
Destination Specialist Sara S. was invited by Tourism New Zealand to taste her way through the food and wine scene, hopscotching around the North Island to experience New Zealand’ s growing culinary landscape and to meet the chefs Michelin was considering. Her travels culminated at the food guide’ s awards ceremony, where she witnessed firsthand the recognition of these talented chefs. Here, we chat about her time feasting on the flavors of Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud. �
Epicurean delights
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