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MICHELIN stars, incredible wine, geothermal cooking, local produce and some seriously happy taste buds…

 

I have to admit, when I was invited by Tourism New Zealand to Auckland to attend the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Aotearoa New Zealand Awards, I knew I was going to be part of something pretty special.

But what I didn’t quite realise was just how much this trip would remind me that New Zealand is one of those destinations that can feed your soul… and your stomach!

And let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a holiday where eating and drinking your way around the country is considered part of the itinerary?

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Being in Auckland for the very first MICHELIN Guide Aotearoa New Zealand Awards was an absolute honour.

New Zealand officially joined the MICHELIN Guide family for the first time, with 110 incredible establishments across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown recognised in the inaugural selection.

That included 14 One MICHELIN Star restaurants and one extraordinary Two MICHELIN Star restaurant.

And I was incredibly lucky to be there as a special guest – one of only two Australian travel advisers in the room.

Talk about a pinch-me moment!

But as incredible as the stars were, the people behind them were what really stole the show.

Watching chefs and their teams hear their names called, often after years of hard work, was incredibly emotional. There were tears, huge hugs, standing ovations and moments that genuinely gave me goosebumps.

THE MOMENTS BEHIND THE STARS

One moment I’ll never forget was seeing Executive Chef Henry Onesemo of TALA receive a MICHELIN Star, making TALA the first restaurant in the world to receive a MICHELIN Star for contemporary Samoan food.

And then Henry proudly carried the Samoan flag onto the stage.

It was one of those moments where you realise you’re not simply watching an awards ceremony.

You’re watching history being made.

Another beautiful moment was seeing Teresa Pert, Head Chef at Wellington’s Ortega Fish Shack, take the stage as the only female chef to receive a One MICHELIN Star on the night.

Her emotion, pride and love for the Ortega family were absolutely beautiful to witness.

And then came the finale…

Essence in Queenstown, led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt, was awarded New Zealand’s only Two MICHELIN Stars.

What a way to finish!

But here’s what really excited me…

The MICHELIN Guide is just the beginning.

Because New Zealand’s food story is SO much bigger than stars.

THE REAL TASTE OF AOTEAROA

By the end of the trip, something really struck me.

Yes, the MICHELIN Guide is shining a very bright spotlight on New Zealand’s culinary scene.

But the food story of Aotearoa is much bigger than stars and awards.

It’s about manaakitanga – that beautiful Kiwi concept of hospitality, generosity and making people feel welcomed and cared for.

It’s about incredible local produce.

It’s about the people who grow it, cook it, pour it and share it.

It’s about culture.

It’s about connection.

It’s about sitting around a table and thinking…

“Wow. I wish I could bottle this moment.”

And that’s what I love about travel.

The places are incredible, but it’s the people, stories, flavours and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

SO… SHOULD NEW ZEALAND BE ON YOUR LIST? ABSOLUTELY  

And if you’re a foodie or wine lover, I’d say move it even higher!

You can fly from Australia, hire a car, explore spectacular scenery, meet incredible people, drink world-class wine, eat phenomenal food and experience cultures and landscapes that make New Zealand completely unique.

And now, with the MICHELIN Guide shining a spotlight on Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, there is even more reason to put a culinary adventure through Aotearoa on your travel wish list.

But here’s my tip…

Don’t just chase the stars.

Get out and explore the regions.

Meet the producers.

Visit the vineyards.

Eat the local food.

Hear the stories.

And leave a little room in your suitcase… because you’ll probably want to bring some of New Zealand home with you.

 

READY TO TASTE NEW ZEALAND FOR YOURSELF?

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury food and wine escape, a scenic road trip through the North Island, a South Island adventure, a romantic getaway or a tailor-made journey combining the very best of Aotearoa…

I’d love to create it for you.

Because sometimes the best way to discover a destination… is one delicious bite at a time.

 

 

HERE IS THE FULL LIST OF MICHELIN RESTAURANTS FOUND IN NEW ZEALAND !