New Zealand has taken a cheeky shot at Australia after one state announced it would soon be receiving the Michelin Guide.
South Australia announced this week that inspectors now visiting dining establishments and hotels to determine what should be included on the list.
The Michelin Guide, created by the French tyre company in 1926, anonymously rates restaurants, hotels and, soon, wineries, to determine what places are worth visiting.
Establishments are awarded up to three stars to indicate the quality of a trip.
This signals Australia could soon have its first-ever Michelin-starred restaurant.
Late last year, New Zealand became the first Oceania country to be included in the Guide, and our neighbours wasted no time in sending a heartfelt message across the Tasman.
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New Zealand Tourism organised a billboard to drive through the streets of Adelaide, claiming Australia always followed in their footsteps and sometimes even tried to claim ownership or victory of something that was quintessentially Kiwi.
“Pavlova. Flat white. Lamingtons. You’ll probably claim this one too,” the sign read.
“Well done on the Michelin Guide announcement. So happy you’re joining us.
“Love, Aotearoa New Zealand.”
New Zealand has taken a cheeky dig at Australia’s big news.
(Tourism New Zealand)
There’s always been a cheeky rivalry between Australia and New Zealand, and sometimes Aussies get carried away with thinking something is homegrown, like Russell Crowe, Sam Neill, and flat white coffees.
“Australians have a long and proud tradition of adopting New Zealand’s greatest treasures,” Andrew Waddel, who is the regional director of Tourism New Zealand’s Australia brand, said.
“We’ve watched on with great fondness each time. But we want South Australia to know this is one thing we are genuinely, willingly happy to share.
“No disputes. Just two of the world’s smaller destinations, quietly proving that good things come in small packages.
“Together, New Zealand and South Australia are cementing their place as the most exciting food and wine destinations in the South Pacific.”
What is happening in South Australia?
South Australia announced that Michelin Guide inspectors were already on the ground, visiting both the state’s capital city and regional areas.
“Their visits will help shape the MICHELIN Guide South Australia 2027, with the full selection set to be revealed in October 2026,” a social media post explained.
“The inspectors work anonymously and assess every restaurant using the same global standards, considering the quality of the ingredients, the skill behind the cooking, the harmony of flavours, the personality of the cuisine and the consistency of the experience over time.”
New Zealand’s Michelin restaurants will be announced in July.
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