Chef Josh Emett’s guide to eating, drinking, exploring Waiheke this summer
Josh Emett spends much of his time on Waiheke, with a home and restaurant – The Oyster Inn – on the island. He shares with Viva his insider’s guide to the best spots for food and wine, beaches, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered this summer and beyond.
What are your earliest memories of visiting Waiheke?
We had a family holiday on the island in 2007, and it was also when I brought my wife Helen back to New Zealand for the first time. We booked a big house near Kennedy Pt. It was my mum, dad, sister, aunty, uncle and cousin, but sadly my brother couldn’t make it over from the UK. It was the first time we had all been together in a long while, as mum was graduating from her PhD, so it felt like a really special time to celebrate. We fitted so much in — walks, beach time, dinners out and lots of barbecue feasts at home. I remember driving around the island with Helen and us both falling in love with it. It’s crazy to think we now split our time between living here and in the city.
What draws you to the island and keeps you returning?
The pace is completely different. As soon as you get off the ferry and set foot on the island, you can feel the energy shift and you feel lighter. It starts with the ferry ride. It gives you time to disconnect from the busyness of Auckland city. There is also a stillness about Waiheke. You get to hear the birdlife; there are so many birds here. It’s grounding in a way that’s hard to explain.
What’s your favourite thing about the journey to get there?
The views are amazing. We’ve even had dolphins swimming alongside the ferry. Realistically though, I often use the trip to get a solid 30 minutes of work done and tick a few things off my list. I’ll usually grab a good coffee or a toastie. The ones on Island Direct are not to be missed. When I head back in the early evening, I try to sit upstairs, relax and just enjoy the view.
For people who have never visited, what are the most important things they should know about Waiheke?
Waiheke is such a magical place, and it’s only a 40-minute ferry ride from the city. It has a great bus network and so much to do. There are loads of restaurants and wineries, Allpress Olive Groves, a gin distillery, ziplining, and countless bush walks that take you off the beaten track. On top of that, there are so many beautiful beaches. The community is fantastic too, with so many people genuinely committed to protecting and keeping the island unspoilt.
What’s your favourite thing to do there in summer?
I do tend to work a lot, but when I’m not working I’m usually between the beach, the golf course and out fishing with the boys. We like to do a charter with On The Hunt. Leon is brilliant, and we usually come home with kingfish and snapper, which keeps us fed for a few days.
What’s your favourite beach on the island?
Palm Beach is my favourite. It’s just around the corner from our little bach, and because it’s in a bay, the water stays calm. I love going there for a morning swim, then grabbing a coffee from the Palm Beach Store. There’s a great superette that does incredible toasties, and a little bistro called Arcadia. It’s nice to have an Aperol or a cold beer when you get thirsty on the beach. There’s also a bottle shop next door, which is very convenient for lazy afternoons on the beach. Palm Beach also has a quieter end where clothes are optional.
What’s the best winery to visit?
There are so many great ones, but my favourites are Man O’ War and Passage Rock. Man O’ War is set on its own beach, and you can take a blanket and sit under a shady tree. We’ve become friends with David Evans, the manager and senior winemaker at Passage Rock, and I love taking my team there for wine tastings and platters.
Where do you get your coffee, and why do you choose that spot?
Either Bisou Cafe or the coffee hatch HR16 in Surfdale, as it’s closest to our house. Bisou also does fantastic savoury crepes and galettes, which makes it hard to go past.
Why should people visit your restaurant, The Oyster Inn, this summer?
The Oyster Inn is such a fun place and has become iconic. I can’t tell you how many people say it’s their favourite restaurant in New Zealand. It’s perfect for so many occasions, whether that’s a long, leisurely lunch or simply sitting back with oysters and sipping rose through the afternoon. We were long-time patrons before we purchased the business and had been visiting since it first opened in 2012, so it feels very special to us.
What other restaurants do you recommend on the island?
We spend a lot of time at The Heke. It’s great for large groups and casual get-togethers, with plenty for kids to do as well, including golf simulators. We also love 372 in Onetangi. It’s a beautiful spot right on the beach. We actually have a family tradition of celebrating our son Louis’ birthday there every January. You also can’t beat the views at Batch Winery, and the fact that they’re open all day makes it an easy option.
Where would you go for a cheap and cheerful quick meal?
Two Fat Buns does the best burgers on the island. Island Frenchie is a food truck in Oneroa that makes a brilliant breakfast sandwich.
Where should people go to stock up on groceries for their Airbnbs or holiday rentals?
Island Grocer has a huge selection of speciality items, great bread and just about anything else you could want. Otherwise, head to RAW in Ostend, and the Saturday Market there is a must-visit. It’s a fantastic farmers’ market where you can pick up produce from local artisans.
Where’s the best place to spend a sunny day this summer?
Nothing beats the beach on a sunny day. I’d take the bus to Onetangi, spend the morning on the long beach, then have lunch at one of the Onetangi restaurants. After that, hop back on the bus to Little Oneroa Beach for the afternoon. If the tide is right, walk around to Oneroa Beach and head to the far, quieter corner. Once you’re done, shower off and head up to The Oyster Inn for dinner while watching the sun set over Oneroa Bay.
What about if it rains?
Throw on a jacket and head out for a coastal walk. There are so many well-marked tracks.
What’s a secret gem on Waiheke that you don’t mind sharing with Viva readers?
For me, the real magic of Waiheke is getting to the bays that you can only reach by boat. They feel completely untouched. We like to park up and have a picnic and play beach cricket.
Another experience that many people don’t realise Waiheke offers is stargazing. Being so far from the city lights, the night sky here is incredible. On a clear evening, it’s genuinely breathtaking. There are local guides who run dedicated stargazing experiences on the island, and it’s something quite special and unexpected. Stargazing Waihekeis worth checking out.
Josh Emett, owner of Gilt, Onslow and The Oyster Inn, is culinary collaborator at the Adrenaline Lounge for this year’s Auckland Sail GP from February 14-15.
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