News
November 14, 2025
New Zealand Michelin Guide’s launch in four cities disappoints regional restaurateurs
The $6.3m deal covers Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown only.
**New Zealand Michelin Guide Launch Focuses on Four Cities, Leaving Regional Restaurateurs Feeling Sidelined**
New Zealand's culinary scene is buzzing, but not everyone is celebrating the arrival of the prestigious Michelin Guide. While food lovers in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the country's first Michelin-starred restaurants, many regional restaurateurs are expressing disappointment and feeling left out of the gastronomic spotlight.
The decision to concentrate the Michelin Guide's initial assessment on these four cities has sparked debate about the scope and inclusivity of the initiative. The New Zealand government has invested $6.3 million into bringing the renowned culinary guide to the country, a move aimed at boosting tourism and elevating the nation's reputation as a world-class food destination. However, the exclusive focus on the major urban centers has raised concerns about whether the investment will truly benefit the entire country's food industry.
Restaurateurs outside of the chosen cities argue that New Zealand's culinary landscape is far more diverse than just its metropolitan areas. They point to the unique ingredients, regional specialties, and innovative chefs found in smaller towns and rural communities, which they believe deserve recognition on a global stage. Some fear that the Michelin Guide's limited scope will reinforce the perception that New Zealand's best dining experiences are confined to a select few locations, potentially hindering the growth and development of the food scene in other regions.
The exclusion has also raised questions about the criteria used to select the initial cities. While Auckland and Wellington are known for their vibrant and diverse dining options, and Queenstown is a popular tourist destination, some believe that other regions with strong culinary identities, such as Northland or the Bay of Plenty, should have been considered.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of the Michelin Guide for the chosen cities, regional chefs and restaurant owners are urging authorities to consider expanding the guide's coverage in the future. They hope that the success of the initial launch will pave the way for a more comprehensive assessment of New Zealand's culinary offerings, ensuring that the country's diverse and talented chefs, no matter their location, have the opportunity to shine. The hope is that future editions will broaden the scope, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of culinary professionals across the entirety of New Zealand.
New Zealand's culinary scene is buzzing, but not everyone is celebrating the arrival of the prestigious Michelin Guide. While food lovers in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the country's first Michelin-starred restaurants, many regional restaurateurs are expressing disappointment and feeling left out of the gastronomic spotlight.
The decision to concentrate the Michelin Guide's initial assessment on these four cities has sparked debate about the scope and inclusivity of the initiative. The New Zealand government has invested $6.3 million into bringing the renowned culinary guide to the country, a move aimed at boosting tourism and elevating the nation's reputation as a world-class food destination. However, the exclusive focus on the major urban centers has raised concerns about whether the investment will truly benefit the entire country's food industry.
Restaurateurs outside of the chosen cities argue that New Zealand's culinary landscape is far more diverse than just its metropolitan areas. They point to the unique ingredients, regional specialties, and innovative chefs found in smaller towns and rural communities, which they believe deserve recognition on a global stage. Some fear that the Michelin Guide's limited scope will reinforce the perception that New Zealand's best dining experiences are confined to a select few locations, potentially hindering the growth and development of the food scene in other regions.
The exclusion has also raised questions about the criteria used to select the initial cities. While Auckland and Wellington are known for their vibrant and diverse dining options, and Queenstown is a popular tourist destination, some believe that other regions with strong culinary identities, such as Northland or the Bay of Plenty, should have been considered.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of the Michelin Guide for the chosen cities, regional chefs and restaurant owners are urging authorities to consider expanding the guide's coverage in the future. They hope that the success of the initial launch will pave the way for a more comprehensive assessment of New Zealand's culinary offerings, ensuring that the country's diverse and talented chefs, no matter their location, have the opportunity to shine. The hope is that future editions will broaden the scope, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of culinary professionals across the entirety of New Zealand.
Category:
World