The prestigious Michelin Guide is making its debut in Oceania, with New Zealand chosen as the first destination. Kylie Gillies, host of The Morning Show, has been exploring the country's vibrant food scene as part of a trip with Tourism New Zealand.
New Zealand's Emerging Food Destination
Gillies travelled through Christchurch and beyond, sampling local produce, luxury dining, and farm-to-fork experiences. These efforts are helping transform New Zealand into one of the world's most exciting emerging food destinations.
The Michelin Guide, which elevated chefs like Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay to fame, has selected New Zealand as its inaugural Oceania location. Christchurch has become a major culinary draw, blending local ingredients, fine dining, and sustainable hospitality.
Exploring Christchurch's Culinary Scene
Gillies explored the city with Riwai Grace from Āmiki Tours, who shared stories, culture, and local flavours shaping Christchurch's growing reputation. At Riverside Market, she visited a bustling food hub rebuilt after the 2011 earthquakes. Over 40 per cent of the structure uses recycled materials. The market features family-run vendors offering South Island cheeses, green shell mussels, and feijoa, a fruit unique to New Zealand.
Restaurants are quietly preparing for the arrival of anonymous Michelin inspectors, who have reportedly been dining incognito across the country for months. Gillies also stopped by Christchurch restaurant Londo, where she sampled a signature "Corpse Reviver" cocktail created by Robert Fairs using gin infused with passionfruit husks.
Impact on Hospitality Industry
At Gatherings, chef Harry said the guide's arrival is energising the hospitality industry. "We feel pretty privileged. It's a really great thing for the wide hospitality scene in New Zealand, and we're certainly quite motivated by it," he said. "Anyone who was in the know and had the right name on a booking and sat by themselves has probably had a pretty amazing experience over the last couple of months."
The restaurant's seasonal menu highlights dishes including lightly grilled radicchio over charcoal, yellowfin tuna, and a choux farce featuring savoy cabbage with pork from local Polaka Farms.
The Michelin Guide's arrival marks a major milestone for New Zealand hospitality, putting the country's restaurants and local produce firmly on the world stage.
