Our Story
Owners Josh & Helen Emetts' association with The Oyster Inn goes back to the very beginning, in 2012, when they attended the grand opening. Over the years the Emetts became Oyster Inn regulars, often visiting with their sons Finn and Louis, and grew to love the place that has become a Waiheke institution.
Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones, the Inn has always held a special place in their hearts. In 2020 they cemented their love of the Inn by becoming the new innkeepers, taking the restaurant and hotel on an exciting new chapter.
Josh has been a chef for 30 years and his pedigree comes with impeccable credentials, having worked in London, New York, Los Angeles and Melbourne for Gordon Ramsay. In New Zealand he became a well-known face on television as a MasterChef New Zealand judge.
Helen has loved cooking from an early age and undertook an evening course at the French Culinary Institute when she lived in New York while working for Merrill Lynch. For Helen finally owning a restaurant is something she once thought would only be a dream.
Waiheke is a paradise of secluded, white sand beaches, world-class vineyards all just a short 35-minute ferry from Auckland. A world apart, not a world away.
There's so much to do. From ziplining to kayaking, scuba diving to paddle boarding, there's something for everyone. For those who love walking Waiheke is your paradise with over 100 kilometres of connected trails to keep you on your feet.
If you fancy just kicking back and relaxing that's fine too. Beautiful Oneroa beach is just a short stroll away and is perfect for a pre-dinner dip in the summer.
Introducing Our Head Chef, Banda
Banda’s love for food began in Sri Lanka, inspired by his mother’s cooking and the country’s rich culinary traditions.
After three years of training at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, he sharpened his skills in the bustling kitchens of Colombo and Dubai before moving to New Zealand.
Here, he combined hands-on work with further study in Business Management, specialising in Hospitality – Level 7. For almost a decade, he has called Waiheke home, beginning his local journey at The Oyster Inn as a Chef de Partie, rising to Sous Chef, moving on to Three Seven Two, and eventually leading the kitchen as Head Chef at The Shed, Te Motu Vineyard.
In May 2025, Banda returned full circle to The Oyster Inn, this time at the helm as Head Chef. With his international and local experience, he brings energy, creativity, and precision to every plate — delivering food that is elegant, soulful, and unforgettable.
The Oyster Inn was founded in 2012 by Jonathan Rutherfurd Best and Andrew Glenn, close friends of Josh & Helen.
Since opening The Inn has earned critical acclaim both in New Zealand and abroad, featured in numerous publications including Conde Nast Traveller, Travel & Leisure, Monocle and Harper’s Bazaar.
Winner of numerous culinary awards including Metro Magazine's Best Destination Award, The Oyster Inn continues to be a favourite of locals and island visitors alike.
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