When planning a trip to Waiheke Island, most visitors have visions of pristine beaches and world-class wineries. But there's another craft beverage experience that deserves just as much attention: The Heke, home to both Waiheke Whisky and Waiheke Brewing Co. This unique co-located distillery and brewery offers a refreshing alternative to the island's wine trail and showcases the creativity and craftsmanship thriving in New Zealand's artisanal beverage scene.

Journey to The Heke

After a scenic 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, I made my way inland from the bustling Matiatia Wharf. While many tourists head straight to the vineyards, I ventured toward the heart of the island. The Heke sits nestled among rolling hills, its modern industrial-style building a striking contrast to the lush surroundings. There is a great blog article all about **how to get to The Heke here.**

Two Craft Producers Under One Roof

What makes The Heke special is its dual identity. Under one roof, you'll find both Waiheke Whisky's gleaming copper stills and Waiheke Brewing Co's stainless steel fermenters. This shared space creates a vibrant atmosphere where craft beverage enthusiasts can experience the full spectrum of fermented and distilled delights.

Waiheke Whisky: New Zealand Single Malt Whisky

The distillery immediately draws you in with its impressive Scotland-made, New Zealand-designed, copper pot stills, visible from the tasting room. Waiheke Whisky is creating spirits that reflect the island's unique terroir. Winning over 40 medals and trophies, in 2025 they were crowned Best in Class at the World Whisky Awards held in U.K.
During my **guided tour**, I learned about their commitment to using local ingredients where possible and their patience in barrel aging. Their signature single malt shows influences of both Scottish tradition and Pacific innovation—notes of sea spray mingling with honey and subtle smoke.
What surprised me most was their experimental range, including limited releases finished in local wine barrels. These collaborations with neighboring vineyards create truly distinctive island expressions you won't find anywhere else.

Waiheke Brewing Co: Craft in Every Keg

Just steps away from the whisky operation, Waiheke Brewing Co offers a completely different but equally compelling craft experience. The brewery specializes in small-batch beers that range from crisp, refreshing lagers perfect for beach days to complex, hop-forward IPAs showcasing New Zealand's world-renowned hop varieties.
The brewing team takes pride in their connection to the island, incorporating local ingredients when seasonally available. Their rotating tap list ensures there's always something new to try, reflecting both traditional styles and innovative brewing approaches.

The Tasting Experience

The Heke offers **several tasting options** depending on your interests. You can focus solely on whisky or beer, but I recommend the combination tasting that lets you experience both. The knowledgeable staff guide you through each sample, explaining production methods and flavor profiles with genuine enthusiasm.
The tasting room itself strikes a perfect balance between luxury, island charm and modern design, with large windows overlooking both the gardens and the production areas. On sunny days, the outdoor seating area provides stunning views of the valley, grounds and surrounding landscape.

Beyond Tastings

What makes The Heke worth the journey is that it offers more than just samples. The on-site restaurant serves excellent casual fare designed to pair with their beverages. Think classic Smash Burgers, local oysters, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal specials using New Zealand-sourced produce.

They also host regular events, from live music sessions to special release parties and even workshops..

Taking Home a Taste of Waiheke

No visit would be complete without picking up something to remember the experience. The bottle shop offers the full range of Waiheke Whisky expressions, including some distillery-exclusive releases. For beer lovers, cans let you take Waiheke Brewing Co's popular Heke lager back to the mainland. There are also local artisan wares, and The Heke’s own Jardin Botanical Gin, single grain Vodka and ’Fire in the Hole ‘ a craft take on a fire ball type of whiskey.

Final Thoughts

In a region renowned for its wineries, The Heke stands out by offering something different yet equally sophisticated. This dual distillery-brewery showcases the innovation happening beyond New Zealand's vine-covered hills and provides a perfect complement to Waiheke's established wine scene.

Whether you're a dedicated whisky enthusiast, a craft beer aficionado, or simply someone looking to experience the full spectrum of Waiheke's craft beverage culture, The Heke deserves a prominent place on your island itinerary. Just be sure to arrange transportation or designate a driver—you'll want to fully immerse yourself in this unique tasting experience.

As I caught the ferry back to Auckland, watching Waiheke fade into the distance, I realized what makes The Heke special isn't just the quality of their products but how they've captured the island's spirit of creativity and independence in every drop. It's a taste of Waiheke that lingers long after your visit.

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