New Zealand’s 2026 MICHELIN Key recipients revealed
Twenty eight New Zealand hotels have been awarded MICHELIN Keys in the award's second lineup, including nine new destinations
Kiwi accommodation providers have once again been recognised amongst the world’s best over the weekend, with the announcement of the 2026 MICHELIN Keys for New Zealand seeing a range of local venues take their place on the list.
The MICHELIN Key recognises the most outstanding accommodation providers in the world, highlighting the best of the best in the same way that MICHELIN Stars recognises outstanding restaurants.
The latest print edition of AccomNews is out now. Read it HERE
Eighteen New Zealand properties have received One Key this year, with a further 10 receiving Two Keys – a significant jump from the nineteen New Zealand venues recognised by MICHELIN when the Keys debuted in New Zealand in 2025.
Kristy Phillips, Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Officer, said the growing number of accommodation venues recognised by MICHELIN is a further endorsement of New Zealand’s standing as a destination for international visitors.
“New Zealand is known around the world for our manaakitanga (hospitality). The welcome we offer to our guests is world-class, and the growing number of hotels and lodges recognised by MICHELIN with Keys supports that.”
Related AccomNews story: New Zealand’s hotel market enters new growth phase
“Following the MICHELIN Stars, where more than 100 New Zealand restaurants were recognised, the awarding of 28 Keys is another accolade that we hope will encourage people to travel here to experience everything our county has to offer.”
The MICHELIN Keys were first launched in 2024, honouring hotels in North America, Europe and Asia before expanding to include hotels in other regions – including New Zealand – in 2025.
Five universal criteria are considered by MICELIN when selecting hotels: excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighbourhood or setting.
For Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, the growth of the hotel selection comes at a particularly interesting moment for the industry.
As the Guide expands its presence across the world of hospitality and lifestyle, he pointed to the role of independent and boutique hotels in keeping the sector moving forward.
“This second global selection of the MICHELIN Keys reflects the extraordinary momentum driving the hospitality sector once again this year. With nearly 470 newly distinguished establishments, we are witnessing a continuous upscaling of the offering, driven by even more creative and ambitious projects.
“All around the world, hoteliers are reinventing the stay experience through more immersive, personalised, and experiential concepts. This capacity for innovation is expressed both in must-visit destinations and in emerging tourist markets.”
“Often driven by visionary independent hotelkeepers, this evolution in concepts is now inspiring the industry as a whole. It is also supported by investments from major international groups, which are helping to accelerate this transformation.
The 2026 selection thus celebrates the diversity, vitality, and excellence of an ever-evolving sector, one that continues to push the boundaries of the hospitality experience and invite travellers to discover new destinations.”
The full list:
Two Keys:
- Blanket Bay, Lake Wakatipu
- Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island
- Huka Lodge, Taupō
- The Lindis, Omarama
- Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch
- Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay
- Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay
- Rosewood Matakauri, Queenstown
- Wallingford Homestead, Wallingford
- Wharekauhau Country Estate, Wairarapa
One key:
- Annadale Coastal Farm Escape and Luxury Villa Collection, Akaroa
- Azur Lodge, Queenstown
- Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough
- The Clements Hotel, Waikato
- Craggy Range Luxury Vineyard Retreat, Hawke’s Bay
- Eagles Nest, Russell
- Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown
- Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa, Queenstown
- Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses, Kaikōura
- The Hotel Britomart, Auckland
- Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge, Queenstown
- Hotel Fitzroy Curated by Fable, Auckland
- The Manse, Hawke’s Bay
- Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, Lake Pukaki
- Park Hyatt Auckland
- ROKI Collection Queenstown
- Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua
- Stoneridge Estate, Queenstown
