Tasked with promoting Aotearoa and encouraging off-peak visitation, we turned to our unparalleled astrotourism and a universal love: food.

With Michelin stars out of reach due to New Zealand’s remote location, we created an unmatched dining experience: Pou-o-Kai, the restaurant with the most stars.

Nestled under the star-embellished skies of Kura Tawhiti, right at the foot of the Southern Alps, Pou-o-Kai was created in partnership with renowned chef Ben Bayly, dishing up an authentic showcase of New Zealand’s highest-quality ingredients, paired with a visual feast of the country’s famous landscapes and constellations.

The launch event attracted 50 of the world’s leading media, influencers, and tastemakers, creating a moment that captivated global media. Pou-o-Kai generated 237 media placements, reaching a massive 2.9 billion people - well beyond the initial 800 million target. High-profile features in outlets like Der Spiegel, Nine Travel, Evening Standard, and Sydney Morning Herald shared the story, while influencers added another 415,000 impressions on social channels, sparking curiosity about New Zealand’s food scene.