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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.
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, says 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.”
“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.
Congratulations to all the venues honoured, including the following Hospitality NZ members.
Two Keys:
- Otahuna Lodge
- Wharekauhau Country Estate
- Blanket Bay
- Rosewood Kauri Cliffs
- Delamore Lodge
One Key:
- Hotel Britomart
- Craggy Range
- Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses
- Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
- Bay of Many Coves
- Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa
