© Tourism New Zealand Tourism New Zealand is pleased to announce the release of the first-ever "Michelin Guide Aotearoa New Zealand" on Tuesday, June 30. The guide features a total of 110 restaurants from four cities across the North and South Islands: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Among these, 15 restaurants have been awarded stars, with an additional 35 receiving Bib Gourmand distinctions. This announcement marks a significant milestone, symbolizing the international recognition of New Zealand's culinary culture and gastronomy. The selected restaurants have been highly praised not only for the quality and creativity of their cuisine but also for their deep connection to the local terroir and food culture. ■ Queenstown's "Essence" Earns Two Stars Following months of anonymous inspections, the sole recipient of two stars is "Essence," led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt. Situated on a hill overlooking Lake Wakatipu, the serene dining space enhances the culinary experience. Their two tasting menus showcase high-quality New Zealand ingredients, expertly prepared with a fusion of technical skill, creativity, and contemporary sensibility. "Essence" (Two Stars) ©Essence "Essence" (Two Stars) ©Essence Paul Froggatt commented, "Receiving two stars for 'Essence' instead of one has been a dream come true. This honor is a testament to the hard work of the talented chefs and service staff who work alongside me, as well as our suppliers, producers, and every member of our team. We believe New Zealand's food culture is among the most captivating in the world, and we are incredibly proud to be a part of it." ■ A Total of 14 Restaurants Awarded One Star Across the four cities, 14 restaurants received one star, 35 were recognized with Bib Gourmand (for establishments offering excellent value), and an additional 60 were listed as Selected Restaurants. Auckland: Ahi., Mudbrick, Paris Butter, Tala, The Estate Wellington: Jano Bistro, Logan Brown, Ortega Christchu