WAIHEKE GUIDES & NEWS
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Waiheke Island School Holiday Ferry Deals
This school holidays, there are great special deals to be found for ferry travel to Waiheke Island. Just look for the ‘Deals’ on the ferry websites. Read about them here:
How to get to The Heke on Waiheke Island
Everything you need to know to get to The Heke is right here, including maps, inside information on transport and links to important articles.
The Complete Guide: How to travel to Waiheke Island and get around when you’re here
Everything you need to know about how to get to Waiheke Island, and how to travel around once you’re here.
16 things to do when visiting Auckland in 2025 without a car
We are asked all the time about how to make the most of a stay in Auckland, when you find yourself in the city for a few days without a car. Of course visiting Waiheke Island is on the list - but what else can you plan to get a taste of New Zealand? Here is our list of 16 low cost things to do in Auckland, New Zealand, without a car.
Things to do on a Girls Weekend on Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is known for its Waiheke wineries, weddings & summer holidays. But there are lots of other things to do, all just a 35 minute ferry ride from Auckland.
So when someone asks ‘what is there to do on Waiheke Island’, or if you are ready to plan for a girls' weekend away close to Auckland, read on! Here are ten ideas for a fun New Zealand staycation with your gal pals.
Exploring Waiheke's Craft Beverage Scene: A Visit to The Heke
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.
A Map of Waiheke Island Artists, Art Galleries & Studios
Waiheke Island has a thriving art scene and many open their studios for visits. There are also several galleries that are 100% worth a visit. Plan your day with this interactive art map.
Golf Simulator opens at The Heke
The Heke opens its state of the art golf simulator experience. Golf on Waiheke Island has never been more fun, read all about it here.
10 fun things to do without a car on Waiheke Island
Catch the bus on Waiheke Island is a great, cheap and easy option, and there are miles of walks to. Renting a car is an option, but if you’re here without a car here are some great ideas on how to get around on Waiheke Island, and have fun while you are here!
Things to do with kids on Waiheke Island
What to do for low cost activities on Waiheke Island for school holidays. Are you excited for the school holidays? We are too! At The Heke, we believe that having fun doesn't have to be expensive. That's why we've put together a list of budget-friendly activities for you to enjoy during your time off.
Ten Insider Tips: how to have an awesome lunch on Waiheke Island
We are locals, and also restaurant owners, so we have some insider tips to make sure your lunch on Waiheke Island is everything you wanted - and more. Read on for tips, tricks, advice and some links to help you get the most from your day.
Waiheke Island Weather
Waiheke Island enjoys super weather year round, there can be a LOT of sun, and if you’re unlucky, a bit of winter rain - but as we say there is no such thing as bad weather - only bad clothing and preparation!
Waiheke Tasting Flights launch at The Heke
We’re launching our tasting flights. The Tap Beer Flight, The Whisky Boilermaker Flight & The Spirits of The Heke Flight.
The best place for kids on Waiheke Island!
Travelling with children to Waiheke means you are always going to be looking for things to do with kids! Being able to catch up with each other, spend quality family time with no dishes, and meet friends for lunch and drinks… Welcome to The Heke!
The Heke loves dogs
We love dogs! When the NZ Herald called to say they had heard that we love dogs we were very happy to chat! For a dog-friendly restaurant on Waiheke Island you can’t beat The Heke.
A LOCAL GUIDE: HEKE KIDS
What to do for low cost activities on Waiheke Island for school holidays. Are you excited for the school holidays? We are too! At The Heke, we believe that having fun doesn't have to be expensive. That's why we've put together a list of budget-friendly activities for you to enjoy during your time off.
Denizen Hospo Heroes, Radio New Zealand, Stuff News, and ZB radio all had a chat with us this month!
Travelling with children to Waiheke means you are always going to be looking for things to do with kids! Being able to catch up with each other, spend quality family time with no dishes, and meet friends for lunch and drinks… Welcome to The Heke!
✔︎ High chairs
✔︎ Kids menu
✔︎ Kids drinks
✔︎ Changing table
✔︎ Outside space
✔︎ Kid Friendly
✔︎ Bouncing pillow
✔︎ Sand pit
✔︎ Inside & Outside Toys
News from WBC, with Beached As Pilsner re-brewed better than ever, and new stockists in the city - SKY CITY!
“The Heke has been open for two and half years, but this is the first year that we have entered any awards for our spirits. Initially it was distilled by our team as the house-pour in our bars but guests kept saying they’d love to buy them to take home.”
By law, there are three and a half days during the year that trade is restricted: Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and until 1pm on Anzac Day. You and all of your guests need to east a ’substantial meal’; snacks like fries and a pizza shared between 4 people are not enough. Read on….
That’s 4150 kgs of food scraps out of landfill, and 10375 kgs of equivalent CO2 emissions that weren't created at landfill sites! Instead, the compost is used to grow food here on the island.
It’s about time we opened the doors here to invite you to explore whisky with us. Every month, we’re hosting Whisky club night in the distillery here on Waiheke Island. These will be on the third Friday of every month. Set up a calendar date now.
The Heke opens its state of the art golf simulator experience. Golf on Waiheke Island has never been more fun, read all about it here.
We are looking for a superstar Operations & Events Manager to work with us over a very exciting period. This is a full-time maternity cover role from September 2024 to July 2025. There is also potential for an ongoing long-term role as we grow. These are big shoes to fill as our current star was our very first employee and has grown to be a key part of the team here.
In the world of brewing, collaboration isn’t just about sharing learnings or techniques—it’s about a shared passion for crafting exceptional beers.
The Heke is collecting old mobile phones for recycling, to raise funds for Sustainable Coastlines. Bring in your old phone today!
Thank you for your support! The Heke team ae so proud to have been awarded the Most Outstanding Local at the Lewisham Awards 2024.
Living on an island makes people innovate - or does the island attract innovative people? This article explores the idea and looks at some local businesses doing new things.
Pouring beer at The Heke
Here are our hours for January.
Come in for lunch, late lunch and our beautiful tasting room is open for Waiheke Whisky tastings and Waiheke Brewing Co. tasting flights.
We’re very proud and humbled to be awarded the Travellers’ Choice award for 2023 from Tripadvisor guests.
In everyday actions, such as the ones we report here, we strive to be leaders in this area. This is in line with our values and we believe it is the only choice; to take responsibility for the impact we make for current and future New Zealanders.
Maori history and artworks are celebrated at The Heke. Rangihoua or Putiki-o-Kahu ‘the top-knot of Kahu’ is the hill you can see straight across the valley from here. It is the most significant occupied site of Maori on Waiheke Island. Thousands of people made this fortified vantage point their home, over hundreds of years.
Head Chef Andrei Rotar was born in Alba Iulia, a small town in Romania, shortly after the revolution. During my childhood, every festival was accompanied by a feast, as we grew a variety of vegetables and raised pigs and chickens. My grandfather built his house on a small plot of land that we farmed, and we even made our own wine, sausages, dry cured hams, and preserves to last us through the winter. I
As we face climate change and energy crises, sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it is a necessity. The whisky industry has an opportunity to break convention and innovate for a better future, and Waiheke Whisky is taking the lead in this movement. In this blog post, we explore the sustainable packaging choices made by Waiheke Whisky.
The business is a “stronger together” union of two local families. Waiheke Whisky makers Mark and Ro Izzard joined Waiheke Brewing folks Mark and Vivian Hindmarsh. You’ll find the couples and their offspring working the floor at The Heke, which is one reason the place feels so welcoming; the hospitality feels homely
The Heke Christmas holiday hours 2022/2023
We’re building The Mashery now, for the opening this summer right here at The Heke.
We’re launching our tasting flights. The Tap Beer Flight, The Whisky Boilermaker Flight & The Spirits of The Heke Flight.
Denizen Hospo Heroes, Radio New Zealand, Stuff News, and ZB radio all had a chat with us this month!
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.
Waiheke Island has a thriving art scene and many open their studios for visits. There are also several galleries that are 100% worth a visit. Plan your day with this interactive art map.
DJ Sam Jones plays here on Sunday 8th Dec
It’s about time we opened the doors here to invite you to explore whisky with us. Every month, we’re hosting Whisky club night in the distillery here on Waiheke Island. These will be on the third Friday of every month. Set up a calendar date now.
The Heke is collecting old mobile phones for recycling, to raise funds for Sustainable Coastlines. Bring in your old phone today!
This school holidays, there are great special deals to be found for ferry travel to Waiheke Island. Just look for the ‘Deals’ on the ferry websites. Read about them here:
Everything you need to know to get to The Heke is right here, including maps, inside information on transport and links to important articles.
We are asked all the time about how to make the most of a stay in Auckland, when you find yourself in the city for a few days without a car. Of course visiting Waiheke Island is on the list - but what else can you plan to get a taste of New Zealand? Here is our list of 16 low cost things to do in Auckland, New Zealand, without a car.
Waiheke Island is known for its Waiheke wineries, weddings & summer holidays. But there are lots of other things to do, all just a 35 minute ferry ride from Auckland.
So when someone asks ‘what is there to do on Waiheke Island’, or if you are ready to plan for a girls' weekend away close to Auckland, read on! Here are ten ideas for a fun New Zealand staycation with your gal pals.
Have the freedom of exploring at your own pace when you travel with your car on the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Where is Waiheke Island?
There are not one, not two but THREE ferry companies who will take you to Waiheke Island any day 365 days a year, and travel is from dawn until midnight. Read all about the options for Waiheke ferry timetables here.
How to save money on the ferry to Waiheke Island
FERRY FARES at at July 2023. This is everything you wanted to know about tickets as a resident of Waiheke Island. If you are a visitor see our other posts: Ferry and travel information to Waiheke and getting around when you are here, & How to Get to The Heke.
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Everything you need to know about how to get to Waiheke Island, and how to travel around once you’re here.