New Zealand gains its first Michelin Key hotels
Cape Kidnappers | Gary Lisbon
From rugged alpine retreats to urban eco-sanctuaries, 19 New Zealand properties have officially joined the world’s elite hospitality rankings.
The Michelin Star has been the undefeated arbiter of global gastronomy for decades, and in April 2024 was joined by the Michelin Key; a guide to Michelin-approved stays around the world.
Extending the journey from the dining table to sleeping quarters has created a wrap around guide for world travellers. Now, New Zealand has joined the cohort.
The Michelin Guide has officially awarded its first-ever Michelin Keys to New Zealand properties, identifying 19 which represent the pinnacle of design, service, and soul.
While the traditional star system honours the plate, the Key system evaluates five rigorous criteria: excellence in architecture, quality of service, distinctive personality, value for the experience, and a meaningful contribution to the local setting.
The two-key vanguard: Exceptional stays
In the inaugural 2025/2026 selection, seven New Zealand properties achieved the prestigious Two-Key status; reserved for exceptional stays that offer something truly unique to the destination.
Huka Lodge (Taupō): This grand dame of Kiwi luxury has long been a favourite of both the global jetset and local clientele, and is legendary for its riverside elegance.
The Lindis (Ahuriri Valley): A masterclass in futuristic architecture, designed to disappear into the undulating landscape of the Southern Alps, the Lindis has been turning heads and winning awards since it opened in 2018.
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay): Where farm-to-table dining meets dramatic clifftop golf and rugged coastal vistas, Cape Kidnappers places guests where the land meets the ocean.
Blanket Bay (Glenorchy): The definitive alpine escape, framed by the Humboldt Mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
The Lindis in North Otago’s Ahuriri Valley | Shaun Jeffers
Urban precision and eco-luxury: One-Key honours
Twelve New Zealand properties earned One Michelin Key, recognising them as very special stays with a clear sense of place.
Leading the charge in the city is The Hotel Britomart in Auckland. As New Zealand's first 5 Green Star hotel, it has become the gold standard for sustainable luxury, proving that high-end hospitality can, and should, be regenerative. Other urban and boutique icons recognised include the Park Hyatt Auckland, the lakeside Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown, and the ultra-secluded Eagles Nest in the Bay of Islands.
The arrival of the Michelin Key in Aotearoa New Zealand signals a shift in the global travel hierarchy. It validates what discerning travelers have long known: New Zealand is a destination for world-class standards alongside its scenic wonders.
For the adventurer seeking private heli-skiing alongside a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, the Michelin Key provides a vetted roadmap. With the full Michelin Restaurant Guide set to debut in New Zealand in mid-2026, the country is officially cementing its status as the Southern Hemisphere’s ultimate luxury frontier.