Waiheke Dining FAQs
Your guide to all things Waiheke Heli-Dining
Not sure where to go or what to do?
Heletranz has been operating to Waiheke for over 30 years and our team have a love for all things food and wine. Use the lowdown below to decide where you might want to go.
Mudbrick Vineyard
One of the original vineyards on Waiheke, Mudbrick has a rich history, fine food & wine and spectacular views back to Auckland City. When flying over to Waiheke you dine in The Mudbrick Restaurant. The food will not disappoint as it showcases the best producers in Aotearoa and elements from Mudbrick’s own garden. If you have time before/after lunch you can pop next door to the cellar door for a wine tasting or visit the Archive Bar & Bistro for a spicy margarita. Only 5 minutes drive from Matiatia Wharf, our team love booking customers in here as everyone leave with a smile on their face. Seasonal menu’s can be found here.
Where is Mudbrick Vineyard?
Mudbrick Vineyard is located on the western side of Waiheke Island and is one of the closest vineyards to the Fuller Ferry Terminal at Matiatia Wharf. Mudbrick Vineyard, 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Where is the helipad at Mudbrick?
Mudbrick helipad is located behind the restaurant at the top of the trig. It is a steep walk down to the vineyard about 100 meters down to the restaurant. We wouldn’t recommend wearing high heals.
What is the menu?
Seasonal menu’s can be found here.
What are the premium wine tasting options?
The cellar door is open 7 Days 10am – 6pm
Premium Tasting = $35 per person (includes 6 wines)
Standard Tasting = $25per person (includes 6 wines)
How do I get to the ferry terminal?
The ferry terminal is a 5 minute drive to the Fullers Ferry terminal at Matiatia Wharf. You can ask the lovely staff at Mudbrick to book a taxi down to the ferry terminal. We recommend leaving at least 30 minutes prior to your ferry departure on a regular day, on weekends, especially long weekends we would recommend allowing more time.
What else do I need to know?
To secure a landing at Mudbrick Vineyard you are required to have a reservation in the main restaurant. You can make this or if you are on our Heli-Dining package we will secure this for you. Mudbrick only have a limited number of landings per day/week so we recommend booking early if this is your preferred vineyard.
Stonyridge Vineyard
Known for their delicious Bordeaux style red wines, Stonyridge is a crowd favourite for its relaxed restaurant with vineyard views that will have you feeling as though you are in the South of France. Stonyridge is located near the centre of Waiheke Island and conveniently in walking distance of Tantalus Estate, Te Motu, Wild on Waiheke and The Heke. Stonyridge is a favourite with our private helicopter owners. Seasonal menu’s can be found here.
Where is Stonyridge Vineyard?
Stonyridge Vineyard is located near the centre of Waiheke Island at 80 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island 1971.
Where is the helipad at Stonyridge?
Stonyridge Helipad is located between the restaurant and the front entrance. It’s an easy flat walk into the restaurant on arrival.
What is the menu?
Seasonal menu’s can be found here.
What are the wine tasting options?
The Tasting Lounge is open daily from 11:30 am for wine tastings. – $15 for three wines
No bookings are required for flight tastings
How do I get to the ferry terminal?
It is a 15 minute drive to the Fullers Ferry terminal at Matiatia Wharf. You can ask the lovely staff at Stonyridge to book a taxi down to the ferry terminal. We recommend leaving at least 45 minutes prior to your ferry departure on a regular day, on weekends, especially long weekends we would recommend allowing more time.
What else do I need to know?
Often in summer Stonyridge have a DJ on the Deck on Saturday afternoons. This is a great place to head for a drink after lunch!
Tantalus Estate
The ‘new kid on the block’ Tantalus Estate raised the bar on Waiheke when it comes to fine food and service. The elegant restaurant looks over the botanical gardens and vines and if that wasn’t enough you can pop down to the Alibi Brewers Lounge below the restaurant for a beer (or espresso martini) after lunch. A number of our team have had birthday & anniversary lunches at Tantalus and it is truly exceptional. Lunch menu’s can be found here.
Where is Tantalus Estate?
Tantalus Estate is located near the centre of Waiheke Island at 70-72 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island 1971.
Where is the helipad at Tantalus?
The Tantalus Helipad is located in the vines, it is a short flat walk on grass to the restaurant.
What is the menu?
Seasonal menu’s can be found here.
What are the wine tasting options?
Wine and beer tastings, drinks and snacks upstairs Thursday to Sunday 11am-5pm
Reservations Recommended. Private Tastings & Groups by appointment. Beer & Wine sales available.
By arrangement only from 25th July – 31st August 2022
How do I get to the ferry terminal?
It is a 15 minute drive to the Fullers Ferry terminal at Matiatia Wharf. You can ask the lovely staff at Tantalus to book a taxi down to the ferry terminal. We recommend leaving at least 45 minutes prior to your ferry departure on a regular day, on weekends, especially long weekends we would recommend allowing more time.
What else do I need to know?
Tantalus Estate has beautiful gardens to explore after lunch, the food is to die for (you would have to drag us away from those Te Matuku Oysters – We don’t even understand the magic they must do to them) and you can wander to other vineyards & restaurants nearby to continue your day.
Poderi Crisci
Want to be transported to Italy? Poderi Crisci is one of Waiheke’s best kept secrets (not anymore). Explore the gardens and enjoy Italian al Fresco dining all year round at this family owned vineyard and restaurant in a stunning location: perfect for a casual lunch, family gathering or romantic dinner. Seasonal menu’s can be found here.
Where is Poderi Crisci Vineyard?
Poderi Crisci Vineyard is located on the southern side of the island. 205 Awaawaroa Road, Waiheke Island 1971.
Where is the helipad at Poderi Crisci?
The Helipad at Poderi Crisci is located on a hill behind the vineyard, on arrival the Poderi Crisci car will come and pick the guests us and drive them the short distance down the hill.
What is the menu?
Seasonal menu’s can be found here.
How do I get to the ferry terminal?
It is a 30 minute drive to the Fullers Ferry terminal at Matiatia Wharf. You can ask the lovely staff at Poderi to book a taxi down to the ferry terminal but make sure you book allowing enough time for a taxi to get to Poderi. We recommend leaving at least 1 hour prior to your ferry departure on a regular day, on weekends, especially long weekends we would recommend allowing more time.
What else do I need to know?
On Sunday’s you can enjoy the “ITALIAN LONG LUNCH “ an Italian tradition faithfully recreated every Sunday at Poderi Crisci. It’s a time to enjoy the age-old Italian values of family, friends, food and celebrating life in style.
Man O’ War
The ultimate summer destination is the beachfront restaurant at Man O’ War and trust us when we say you don’t want to drive there. Man O’ War is located the furtherest away from Auckland and the drive is only for the brave. A quick 15 – 20 minute flight, we have no doubt that we will have to drag you away from this stunning location. Light menu can be found here.
Where is Man O’ War Vineyard?
Man O’ War Vineyard is located furthest away from the ferry terminal on a gravel road, the perfect place to fly rather than drive! 725 Man O War Road, Waiheke Island, 1971
Where is the helipad at Man O’ War?
The Helipad at Man O’ War is located on the northern end of the day, which is around a 5 minute walk to the restaurant. We wouldn’t recommend high heals for this walk.
What is the menu?
Seasonal menu’s can be found here.
How do I get to the ferry terminal?
It is a 40 something minute drive to the Fullers Ferry terminal at Matiatia Wharf along gravel roads – Get a chopper we say
What else do I need to know?
Arrive at 11am (opening time) and you can secure yourself a private wine tasting! It is bliss.
Heli-Dining Package Questions
Looking to book on of our Waiheke Heli-Dining Packages – Below is the answer to some of your questions.
What is the difference between Heli-Ferry & Heli-Return?
Options are great right! Heli-Ferry generally includes a one way flight, dining package and ferry tickets for the return. Alternatively fly both ways!
Where do the Heli-Dining Packages depart?
Standard pricing is based from our Rosedale Heliport (Heletranz Heliport, 234 Rosedale Road, 0632). For an additional cost we can pick you up or return to an alternative destination such as Mechanics Bay Helipad, Auckland CBb, Auckland Airport or a private property if suitable.
What ferry should I get?
When you check in with us we give you ferry tickets, these are open ended and you can get on any Waiheke > Auckland Ferry. We will also give you a ferry timetable. Updated timetables can be found here. Ferry tickets are for a set sailing so plan which one you want to get on accordingly.
What is the difference between Robinson R44 & Jet Turbine
Mainly the size of the aircraft and engine type.
Here you will see the Robinson R44 – This is more restricted by weather conditions.
The remainder of our fleet are jet turbine – Check them out here.
Do I have to go for lunch or can I go for dinner?
Waiheke Island has a helicopter curfew of darkness so often we could drop you off on Waiheke for dinner but you would need to ferry back to Auckland. The vineyards that we can fly into that currently can accommodate dinner at Mudbrick & Tantalus Estate (open on occasional Saturday night in summer)
