Waiheke Winery Tours
Waiheke is probably most famous for the 30+ boutique wineries scattered around the island. Many of them have cellar doors, tasting rooms, light snacks available, and amazing outlooks but no helipad onsite. This doesn’t have to mean they get left off your list!
Waiheke Airfield serves as a portal to the wonders of Waiheke when your destination doesn’t have a helipad onsite. We work with the best wine tour operators who can meet you at the helicopter on arrival and put together a custom tour filled with wine tastings and culinary delights. Your (mostly) tame local guide will make your trip memorable and you are sure to learn all about the island as you cruise around.
There are also spots that serve up their own locally produced craft beers, spirits, olive oils and honeys for something a bit different.
If you want to arrive at or depart from one of the wineries with its own helipad, we can make that the first or last stop on the tour. You will need to be booked in for a full lunch at that venue with this option though, as helicopter landings are limited at each spot, and they reserve them for groups dining in rather than just stopping by for tastings. Mudbrick, Tantalus, Stonyridge and Poderi Crisci are the wineries with helipads. The Batch winery is also right next door to the airfield.
Man O War also has a helipad and will usually accept helicopter landings for wine tastings and nibbles without a full multi-course lunch but be aware – it is quite the trek out there by car along a windy gravel road. We certainly think flying in and flying out is the best way to experience Man O War, but however you get there and back, it is well worth the visit.
Get in touch with us today for a free quote and to arrange your bespoke Waiheke Wine Tour experience.
Availability
All venues on Waiheke have high demand for landing slots and table bookings especially in the peak season. It is best to book well in advance, and if you only have one date that you would like to fly, please enquire before purchasing, as we may need to suggest a different restaurant or time of day depending on availability.
Departure Location
This Heli Me experience departs from our City Heliport at Mechanics Bay in Auckland City. Other departure locations such as Auckland Airport, Ardmore Airport and North Shore Airport are available but may incur an additional charge. Please contact us for pricing.
Passenger Weight and Aircraft Occupancy
Unlike large airliner aircraft individual passenger weight is critical for a helicopter. For a full helicopter the average passenger weight must generally be 80-85kg or below. There is also a maximum individual seat limit of 125kg. Heavier loads can sometimes be carried but it depends on the distribution of weight. Please let us know passenger weights at the time of booking.
Each helicopter has a maximum occupancy equal to the number of seats. Infants may be carried on an adult's lap but are counted towards the total occupancy, so by law a spare seat must be kept for any children carried on a lap.
On shared scenic flights, passengers over 100kg may require an additional comfort seat to be purchased.
Weather
In the event that the weather is unsuitable on the day then your experience will be cancelled and rescheduled at no cost to you. When booking please provide us with suitable contact information so we can get hold of you on the day in the event of a cancellation. We suggest you call on the morning of your experience if you have any doubt about the weather suitability.
Gift Vouchers
All gift vouchers are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase, or are otherwise specified if bought during a promotion. They are non-refundable but are transferable so they can be used by any other person.
Cancellation and Refunds
The Passenger acknowledges that Heli Me may need to cancel or reschedule flights or services due to landing restrictions, unsuitable weather conditions, technical problems, operational reasons, or any event beyond the Carrier’s reasonable control. Heli Me will not be liable for any consequential losses or additional costs incurred as a result of cancellation. Some Supplier’s products and services are non-refundable. Cancellation fee of 20% applies if cancelled over 7 days in advance. Cancellation fee of 50% applies within 7 days of flying, and cancellation fee of 100% applies within 24 hour of the booking or in case of a no-show. Tickets are refundable in the event that Heli Me cancels the service.
Price
Fares are in NZ$ and include 15% GST. Rates are subject to change including, but not limited to, increases in or establishment of surcharges (such as fuel surcharges), taxes, government imposed fees. A fuel surcharge may apply at time of flight. Any request to increase flight time will incur additional charges. Fares are valid for the date(s) specified.