FAQ’s
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions - please read through!
HOW TO GET HERE
We are at 64 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island. FULL DIRECTIONS HERE. Book taxis or shuttles before you come if you want to get private transport. We recommend that you bring your HOP card to use on Waiheke Island, as buses are frequent and cheap. Coming by ferry? We recommend you arrive early for your intended sailing, and consider catching an earlier ferry and visiting the beach or shops when you arrive, as weekend queues can be long. The local bus comes right to our gate.
DOGS
We welcome well-behaved dogs on leash in all parts of the restaurant and gardens. We love dogs!
TOURS AND TASTING FLIGHTS
Can I add a Tasting Flight to my lunch? Yes. We offer tasting flights most days, and the new distillery and brewery is being completed now, so you will be able to visit the Tasting Room from August 2023.
Can I just do a Tasting Flight? Yes, we offer a menu at all times but if you just want to do a tasting, you are welcome.
CAN I VISIT THE BREWERY AND DISTILLERY? Nearly! The Waiheke Whisky distillery is currently in operation at another location in Waiheke Island. We’re building our all new distillery & the Waiheke Brewing Co’s brewery on site and that will be open for tours, and tastings mid-2023.
In the meantime we offer whisky tasting flights at The HEKE Kitchen. And our Boilermaker Bar. It’s a world first you won’t want to miss.
DO YOU HAVE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE SEATING? Yes we have both inside and outdoor seating. On rainy or colder days we won’t book you an outside table, but bring a jacket. We have a fireplace and heaters but there is a lot of fresh air flow in our veranda so be prepared.
BOOKINGS
Our full menu is available all day. The kitchen is open until 30 mins before close time.
You can book online but it has to be at least one day before. On Saturdays on Waiheke Island it can be very busy so it’s best to book. But if you haven’t booked walk-in and we will always try our best to find a nice spot. We take bookings for 50% of our tables. You can book for up to 10 people online. Here are some FAQ’s about booking.
I am looking for a booking for 20 people - Do we need to be on a set menu? Yes you do! Our set menus at $65 or $85 pp are great value and we serve you all at once, so you can just enjoy each others company and catch up! A welcome drink is included for each of you on arrival. Kids can order off the menu. Your guests can pay their own drinks on the day, and they can pay you directly for their set menus if you so wish. Admin is not fun but as we prepare kai for the numbers booked we require payment before the day.
CAN WE BOOK JUST FOR DRINKS? On Saturdays we save our tables for guests who are having lunch or dinner, but you’re welcome to walk in enjoy our relaxed vibes, our grounds, and we will always do our best to find you a great spot. On other days you can book for drinks, tastings and snacks.
What types of tables do you have? We have bar tables, dining tables, garden view bar seats and outdoor seating in our four acre garden, so come on in and we will find you a spot to sit, eat, drink and have a great time. We have three 8-seat tables outside under our pergola. These are covered with shade cloth that catches light rain, but if you book one of these, we can’t guarantee we can accommodate you inside in a downpour.
Can I stay all day? To accommodate all of our guests our tables have a 2 hour limit, especially on Saturday’s - but if you want to stay on busy days we will try our best to find another spot in the bar or garden, for you to relax and enjoy.
CAN I BOOK A TABLE NEAR THE BOUNCY THING / KIDS AREA? We don’t book outside tables as a rule because they are weather dependent. As mentioned above - if it rains we might not have room to move you inside, but if you have a booking and it looks like it’s going to be a sunny day, ask us about moving your booking outside - with the proviso above that we might not have room inside if you change your mind in a sudden downpour!
Can I book for 10 adults. The 15+ kids won’t need seats as they’ll be running around! This is a very frequently asked question! Kids do need seats, and we do count them in your booking. They do run around for sure, but they also want to sit with you and eat, chat, colour in etc. Please tell us the total number of kids and adults and please do not bring lunch boxes; everyone who is here needs to eat food purchased from here.
Will you refund the $10pp credit card pre-authorisation to me after my booking? We take a pre-auth to make sure you tell us if your plans change - if you need to adjust the numbers of your booking, or you need to cancel, you can do so with 24 hours notice, and you won’t be changed - you will be If you just don’t show up. The $10 pp is very reasonable and most guests understand why we need it!
EVENTS
We welcome events at THE HEKE. It’s an amazing space to celebrate any event with your loved ones. Please fill out this form in the first place and we will get back to you: https://www.theheke.co.nz/events
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Yes! We have gluten free, vegan & vegetarian options; we’re sure you’ll find something delicious to eat on our menu.
GIFT CARDS
Yes! A THE HEKE GIFT CARD is the BEST gift. If you’d like to show someone you appreciate them, click here. We email them a card and they either print it or show us on their phone when they get here.
ARE YOU CHILD FRIENDLY?
Yes! your kids are not going to want to leave! Between us we have 8 children so we know what we are doing. We have a giant inflatable Jumping Pillow, the only one on Waiheke Island. We also have a fleet of vintage and new Tonka trucks, a super-cute outdoor play kitchen for pretend adventures. We have a colouring competition, ice blocks and a Kids Menu too. Enjoy a drink while they are happy. Book a table now!
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AT THE HEKE?
I’M A BOATIE, ARE JANDALS OKAY?
Yes! Bring your shipmates and wear your jandals. If you show your float key ring we might even have a treat for you.
CAN I MAHI FOR YOU?
We will be continuing to add people to our team. If you have a drive to deliver the best for visitors and a passion for NZ beer, whisky, or food, then please drop us a line at hello@theheke.co.nz
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Still have questions? Email bookings@theheke.co.nz or phone (09) 372 0020