New Zealand’s Insanely Stunning Scenic Restaurant: Enjoy a Romantic Lunch via a “$30,000” Helicopter Ride

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / New Zealand

Waiheke Island in New Zealand boasts beautiful coastlines and abundant natural wildlife. Beyond that, it’s also an island famous for its wine. With wineries scattered all over, one of them—Cable Bay Restaurant—has even been named by a magazine as Auckland’s most scenic dining spot. Lounge on an outdoor daybed, sip on a glass of wine, and watch the white clouds drift across the blue sky. Let the Kiwis show you how to embrace the slow life.

▲ The cozy daybed seating lets you unwind for the whole afternoon. (Photo / from Facebook page)Cable Bay Vineyard Facebook page）

▲ Cable Bay has been ranked among New Zealand’s Top 50 Outdoor Dining Restaurants.

▲ Fine wine and gourmet food are the Waiheke Island lifestyle.

▲ Fresh ingredients are simply mouthwatering.

Waiheke Island is a charming and laid-back holiday destination with a warm, dry climate and vineyards everywhere. Indulging in great wine and delicious food is the most basic pleasure here. Most restaurants on the island have their own small vineyards, and the taste of their self-produced, self-brewed wines varies wonderfully. Cable Bay not only offers fine wine and gourmet dishes but also sells a unique New Zealand-style slow living aesthetic.

▲ The island is dotted with wineries, each offering uniquely flavorful self-produced wines.

The entire restaurant is located high up on Waiheke Island, with views of the beautiful coastline and vineyards. The vast lawn serves as the dining area, where many daybeds and small tables are placed outdoors. People sit or lounge on this pristine land, enjoying the natural scenery along with their food and wine. Aside from the intoxicating self-brewed wines, the view in front of you is equally captivating. New Zealand’s fresh air blends with the scent of grass, there are no set meal times, and no one disturbs the tranquility. This is what a truly relaxing vacation should feel like.

▲ The outdoor lawn is perfect for running around and enjoying nature.

▲ The indoor dining area also offers scenic views through transparent glass windows.

To enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Cable Bay, you’ll need to take a boat from downtown Auckland for about 30 to 40 minutes to reach Waiheke Island, then drive up the hill. However, if you want to skip the crowded ferry ride and have the budget, there’s another way to arrive. A local helicopter company offers a Cable Bay passenger service, flying directly from Auckland and landing on the large lawn. After enjoying a romantic lunch, you can simply hop back on the chopper and leave. This ultra-glamorous luxury experience has also become an unexpectedly eye-catching highlight.

Address: 12 Nick Johnstone Dr, Oneroa, Auckland 1840, New Zealand

Helicopter Dining Experience Cost*Includes a 3-course formal meal, plus 15% GST
One-way: $990 for two (approx. NT$20,790)
Round-trip: $1490 for two (approx. NT$31,290)