The 'HEKE

The ‘HEKE Kitchen is a restaurant and bar nestled atop four acres of gardens on Auckland’s favourite local getaway, Waiheke Island. The two families that run this vibrant spot felt the island needed a place where you could rock up with the kids for a delicious and leisurely meal, without the worry the ‘lil ones would make too much noise.

The ‘HEKE, Jono Parker

As the new home of the award-winning Waiheke Whisky and Waiheke Brewing Co, the drinks were already covered. To complement, nearly all the food on the menu is ‘touched by fire’ using an Argentinian parrilla.

To bring this relaxed, family-friendly way of dining to life, the owners employed Izzard Design who designed clever spaces that allow the light in, contrasted with rustic dark hues and textures that have a bach-like feel. Throughout are small details such as windows that open on gas lifts, affording views through to the kitchen to watch chefs prepare your feast over glowing wood embers. The result is a destination where the lines between the indoor and outdoor, and the kitchen and dining experience, begin to blur.

Fieldcraft were employed by Envoy to craft the timber-lined wall panels, indoor bar, bar-leaners, corduroy-lined booths and oak high tables. A highlight was crafting the concrete zigzag fascias of the indoor and outdoor bars with Liquid Stone, which were moulded with rough-sawn timber for texture. Another was working with Active Industrial to fabricate the custom light fittings and steel mesh shelving above the bench tops.

The concrete and wooden bar fascia made on collab with Liquid Stone, They were moulded with rough-sawn timber for texture. Jono Parker

Next on the ‘to do’ list is the mashery, which is shaping up to be as beautifully detailed and warm as the restaurant.

We’re looking forward to seeing this place grow with its community, and can’t wait to try the menu. Phill’s got a thing for anchovies and we hear the Ortiz Anchovies are to die for! We'll have to wait till September though... the team are taking a well-deserved break for the month of August.