Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch

The Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch offers an unparalleled culinary adventure, seamlessly blending a breathtaking helicopter ride with an exquisite 4-course gourmet meal. Soaring above the Rimutaka Ranges and Palliser Bay, guests are treated to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes before indulging in a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and expertly paired local wines. This exclusive experience promises an unforgettable outing for foodies and adventure-seekers alike, with impeccable service and an intimate setting that elevates the senses. What secrets does this extraordinary journey hold?

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Lunch Experiences In Wellington.

Key Points

• Unique 3-hour tour from Wellington via helicopter to Wharekauhau Country Estate, featuring breathtaking aerial views and a gourmet 4-course lunch with wine pairings.

• Round-trip helicopter transfers and a safety briefing are included, with the return flight along the Pencarrow coast arriving back in Wellington around 2 PM.

• The 4-course lunch features fresh, seasonal ingredients and sustainable, locally sourced cuisine, complemented by exceptional service and stunning vistas.

• The experience caters to foodies, adventure-seekers, and those seeking extraordinary outings, with a maximum of 6 travelers per booking for an intimate atmosphere.

• Flexible cancellation policy with a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a risk-free booking experience.

Experience Overview

The Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch offers a unique 3-hour tour from Wellington, New Zealand, where guests arrive by helicopter to enjoy stunning views of the city, Rimutaka Ranges, and Palliser Bay.

Before indulging in a gourmet 4-course lunch paired with wine at the Wharekauhau Country Estate, guests can take in the breathtaking scenery.

The experience combines the thrill of a helicopter ride with the delight of a world-class meal set against a stunning natural backdrop.

It’s an unforgettable way to explore the region’s natural beauty and savor the finest local produce and wines.

Whether you’re a foodie, an adventure-seeker, or simply someone looking for an extraordinary day out, the Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch delivers an experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Tour Duration and Meeting Point

The Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch experience lasts for 3 hours, with guests meeting at Wellington Helicopters Limited on Queens Wharf in Wellington Central.

Participants will gather at the designated time of 11:30 AM for their safety briefing, before embarking on the helicopter ride over Wellington and the Rimutaka mountain range.

The tour includes round-trip helicopter transfers, ensuring a seamless journey to and from the Wharekauhau Country Estate, where guests will indulge in a 4-course gourmet lunch paired with local wines.

The return flight along the Pencarrow coast completes the experience, with travelers arriving back in Wellington around 2 PM.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Along With the round-trip helicopter transfers, the Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch package includes a gourmet 4-course meal with wine, live commentary, and local taxes.

Excess luggage charges may apply if necessary. The 4-course lunch is prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering a delightful dining experience at the Wharekauhau Country Estate.

Guests can expect exceptional service and an unforgettable culinary journey paired with stunning views of Wellington and the surrounding landscapes.

The experience is designed to provide a well-rounded and immersive exploration of the region, leaving travelers with lasting memories.

Whether you’re a foodie, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking an extraordinary adventure, the Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch has it all.

Departure and Arrival

Guests depart from the Wellington Helicopters Limited facility at Shed 6 on Queens Wharf in Wellington’s city center, embarking on their 3-hour Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch experience.

After a safety briefing, they’ll board the helicopter for a breathtaking journey over Wellington and the Rimutaka mountain range, taking in stunning panoramic views.

The helicopter then descends upon the picturesque Wharekauhau Country Estate, where guests will enjoy:

1. A 4-course gourmet lunch using fresh, seasonal ingredients

2. Wine pairings to complement the exquisite meal

3. Live commentary sharing insights about the local region

4. The return helicopter trip along the Pencarrow coast, arriving back in Wellington around 2 PM.

Dining and Cuisine

A sumptuous 4-course gourmet lunch with expertly-paired wines awaits guests at the Wharekauhau Country Estate, showcasing the region’s finest seasonal ingredients. Diners can look forward to an exceptional dining experience that highlights the estate’s commitment to sustainability and local provenance. The menu features fresh seafood, premium meats, and innovative vegetarian options, all prepared with care and attention to detail. To complement the meal, a carefully curated wine selection from the renowned Wairarapa wine region is offered, allowing guests to discover the perfect pairing for each course.

Course	Main Ingredient	Wine Pairing
Amuse-Bouche	Locally-sourced seafood	Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Starter	Free-range chicken	Martinborough Pinot Noir
Main	Grass-fed beef	Gladstone Pinot Gris
Dessert	Seasonal fruits	Martinborough Chardonnay

Accessibility and Requirements

The Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch experience caters to wheelchair users, with accessible surfaces throughout the estate.

Dietary requirements should be communicated in advance to ensure the culinary team can accommodate any needs.

Travelers must be at least 18 years old and ready to present identification, as the experience includes wine pairings.

The tour’s key accessibility and requirements include:

1. Maximum of 6 travelers per booking.

2. Wheelchair accessible with accessible surfaces.

3. Dietary requirements should be communicated in advance.

4. Legal drinking age is 18, with identification required.

With these considerations in mind, the Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch offers a truly inclusive and memorable experience for all guests.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. This provides guests with the flexibility to make last-minute changes to their plans without incurring any penalties.

The Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch tour is a popular experience, and the cancellation policy ensures that there’s no risk of losing your spot if something unexpected comes up.

Whether you need to change your travel dates or simply can’t make it on the day, you can rest assured that you’ll receive a full refund as long as you notify the organizers at least 24 hours in advance.

This policy reflects the high level of customer service and satisfaction that Wharekauhau Country Estate strives to provide.

Guest Feedback

Guests have overwhelmingly praised the Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch experience, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. Positive comments highlight the exceptional quality of the food, the impeccable service, and the unforgettable nature of the experience.

Reviewers were particularly impressed by:

1. The breathtaking helicopter journey over Wellington and the Rimutaka mountain range.

2. The gourmet 4-course lunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients paired with delectable wines.

3. The attention to detail and the seamless execution of the entire 3-hour tour.

4. The opportunity to indulge in a truly unique and memorable dining experience.

While one negative review noted booking issues, the host promptly addressed the concern and offered to discuss the matter further, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Helicopter Transportation Work Logistically?

The helicopter transportation starts from a designated meeting point, where participants receive a safety briefing before boarding. The helicopter then takes them on a scenic journey, landing at the destination location where the main activity occurs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Experience?

The dress code for this experience is typically smart casual. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable yet presentable attire that allows them to enjoy the helicopter ride and gourmet lunch in style and comfort.

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?

No, guests cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages. The experience includes a wine pairing with the 4-course gourmet lunch. Bringing outside alcohol would not be permitted as it could interfere with the carefully curated food and wine program.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participation?

The minimum age requirement for participation is 18 years old. Identification must be provided, as the legal drinking age in the region is 18. This ensures all participants can fully enjoy the experience and paired wine offerings.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?

No special equipment or gear is required for this experience. Guests should simply come prepared to relax and enjoy the scenic helicopter ride and gourmet lunch. Casual, comfortable attire is recommended.

Recap

The Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-Lunch is a must-try culinary adventure that seamlessly blends an exhilarating helicopter ride with an exceptional 4-course gourmet experience.

From the breathtaking aerial views of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes to the impeccable service and locally-sourced, seasonal cuisine, this unique outing is sure to captivate foodies and thrill-seekers alike, creating an unforgettable memory.