By RNZ

Tourism Minister Louise Upston says anonymous Michelin diners are in New Zealand tasting and rating some of the country's best restaurants.

For the first time in 125 years the Michelin guide will include restaurants from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown in an inaugural New Zealand edition which will be released in 2026.

Upston said on Thursday the new guide was estimated to bring up 36,000 more international visitors to the country.

"Receiving selection into the Michelin Guide is a prestigious accolade, with its strong international following.

"That's reinforced by Tourism NZ research which rates 'trying local cuisine' as the number one audience interest among people actively considering New Zealand for their next holiday," Upston said.

The move was supported by a $6.3 million contribution from the International Visitor Levy and Tourism New Zealand baseline funding.

"Michelin describes New Zealand as an exciting gastronomic destination, with exceptional restaurants.

"Its presence here will mean more visitors dining in those restaurants and enjoying all New Zealand's hospitality has to offer - supporting small businesses, supporting jobs and supporting local economies in the process," Upston said.

The Michelin Guide (and its well known star system) was created in 1900 by the French tyre company and now covers almost 50 destinations but has never had a presence in Oceania.

There are no guarantees any of the coveted Michelin Stars will be awarded in New Zealand. Currently, 157 restaurants worldwide hold three-star status, the highest honor a restaurant can receive, signifying exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.

There are 514 restaurants with two stars for "excellent cooking that is worth a detour" and 3060 with one star awarded for a "very good restaurant" where dishes are prepared to a consistently high standard using top-quality ingredients.

Main image: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tourism Minister Louise Upston at today's announcement. Photo: Kim Baker Wilson / RNZ