10 Things To Do For Valentines Day In Auckland

Valentine's day is just around the corner and it's best to get your plans organised sooner rather than later. We've created this list to help you out with the top 10 things to do with your Valentine in Auckland.

Whether you are an adventurous couple, a competitive couple, a foodie couple or just a chilled vibes kind of couple and everything in between - we have something in this list for every taste.

1. GET COMPETITIVE

Archiebrothers, New Market

The triple threat of a Fun day or night out that includes bowling, bumper Cars, food, cocktails and heaps of arcade games all in the same building. Providing you with hours of fun (and bragging rights for each win).

Game On, Auckland CBD

You can hone your singing skills in their GameSOnG Karaoke, Take your driving to the next level with Overtake VR driving simulators or just enjoy the selection of favourites or classics like pinball, dance dance revolution, claw grab machines and air hokey. 

 

Holey Moley, Auckland Viaduct 

Putt-putt over some unique course themes including the Simpsons, GOT and E.T rather than the usual windmills and castles at most putt-putt courses. The Holey Moley experience is pretty unique.

They also have a bar upstairs with fun cocktails too but we suggest booking well in advance if you are interested in playing as they fill up pretty quickly.

2. STAR GAZE

Stardome Observatory, Epsom  

A mesmerising experience that is sure to bring those romantic vibes! There is something so captivating and interesting about space so if you're looking for a romantic spot to cuddle up and set the vibe this V-day then the Stardome has got you covered, they may even be doing a feature for Valentine’s day too.


LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT VALENTINES GIFT TO SEND?

VIEW OUR VALENTINES DAY GIFTS

3. GO FOR A HIKE

Kitekite Falls Track | 1 Hour Return | Best Walk in West Auckland

There is a stunning natural feature behind the surf beaches and village of Piha, the Kitekite Falls. A gravel path and boardwalks provide a great place to walk in the forest. There are two shallow stream crossings near the waterfall on this walk, which has a bit of a gradual climb. 

The address is 105 Glen Esk Road in Piha, approximately 38km from Auckland Central.

Wenderholm Perimeter Track At Wenderholm Regional Park | 1-1h30mins Return) | Best Bush Walk in Auckland

Wenderholm Regional Park's Wenderholm Perimeter Track offers a variety of landscape features to enjoy. The beautiful gardens at Coudrey House, the Te Akeake sand spit, and tracts of forest between the mouths of two rivers can be enjoyed along the way. Most fitness levels can enjoy the easy-going trails.

Located 46km from Auckland Central along Schischka Road, Waiwera.

 

Tiritiri Track At Shakespear Regional Park | 2 Hours Loop | Best Coastal Walk in Auckland

In addition to the Tiritiri Path, there are three different lookouts and forests along this loop hike in the regional park. You will gain rewarding views over Te Haruhi Bay as you follow the red markers through farmland and up a steep hill.

The views of Auckland skyline, Rangitoto Island, and more await you at the next lookout along the coast. A safe swimming beach finishes the walk at Te Haruhi Bay.

Approximately 51 kilometres from Auckland Central, you'll find this hike at Bruce Harvey Drive in Army Bay, Whangaparaoa.

 

Coast to Coast Walkway | 4 Hours One Way |  Best Day Walk in Auckland

Take the Coast to Coast Walkway to see the highlights of Auckland City. You will pass through Auckland Domain and some of the city's iconic heritage buildings on your 16km walk between Waitemata and Manukau Two volcanic cones can be found on One Tree Hill and Mt Eden.

Staying in the city center makes it the ideal day trip. The city buses will take you back to the city center once you've finished your walk. It is also listed among the 50 best walks on the North Island.

This walk begins at 99 Customs Street West, Auckland Central, at the Viaduct Basin.

4. GET SUBMERGED IN HISTORY

Auckland Museum, Parnell

You'll have plenty to talk about since it's so rich in history. Auckland's museum is so vast and filled with history, you can easily spend a whole day exploring it! The history of dinosaurs, war, marine life, volcanic eruptions, and much more! No matter what you're looking for, they've got an exhibition for you.

There is no charge for NZ permanent residents and citizens, but a small donation is encouraged upon entry.

While You're There...

Make sure you stop at the Auckland Domain Wintergardens, Parnell for a romantic stroll!

5. GET SUBMERGED IN ART

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to immerse your date in colour, creativity and art!

Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland CBD

As everyone knows, at BB we are big fans of art and creativity, so recommending The Auckland Art Gallery as a Valentine's Day must-do is a no-brainer! 

The Gallery is free of charge for all New Zealand permanent residents and citizens (so make sure to bring your NZ drivers license). We encourage small donations upon entry.

6. GO FOR A SUNSET/EVENING PICNIC

With so many beautiful views all over Auckland, it'd be such a shame not to pick the most romantic spot and set up a Valentine's picnic over looking the city lights during sunset or at night. The 2 spots we'd recommend with the best views :

Mt Eden

Mount Eden, Auckland's highest natural point, is one of the most romantic views for a picnic but it's a view you have to work for so it's best to do a backpack picnic that you can throw over your shoulders as this one will get your blood flowing a bit. The views are so worth it!

A dormant volcano near the CBD that you can walk up, it has a huge crater at the top and is one of the more accessible ones. Located in Auckland's city center and surrounding suburbs, it offers 360-degree views, and there are plenty of picnic spots where you can spread out, eat all the food, and take it all in.

Birkenhead Boat Ramp + Hinemoana Street + Hinemoana Park

Among the best lookout spots in Auckland are the Auckland Bridge, Skytower, and Waitemata Harbour with yachts sailing by, so why not include all three? Introducing Birkenhead Boat Ramp, Hinemoana Street and Hinemoana Park.

These are simple, unassuming spots but if you go to any of these during sunset or in the evening, the views are STUNNING. In addition to enjoying the cityscape, it's also a great spot for a romantic picnic.

7. GO HORSE TREKKING/RIDING

What is more romantic than a leisurely horse ride along the beach or under a canopy of trees?

This is one of our favourite Valentine's day activities to really bring in the romance and earn you some brownie points for having planned such a thoughtful time together. Trust us, this is one Vday activity that you won't soon forget.

8. GET CREATIVE, DIY STYLE

A great way to celebrate Valentine's day is to spend some quality time together by having a fun and thoughtful creative activity planned. 

Creative Station At Home

Set up a creative station at home with some canvas, paper, paints and any art supplies you think would be fun to have a play with and try your luck at painting a portrait of each other (it might even turn into painting on each other if all goes well).

The Perfect Gift For This Activity : 

 

A SAUCY VALENTINES GIFT BOX

If you're a little more adventurous you could even pull a Titanic and add in some nude painting/sketching.

Set up tips: place some candles around to set a more sensual tone so you can get creative by candlelight.

Book A Class

If you aren't much of a DIY-ER then you'll find some of the below classes to book around Auckland:

• Paint n Sip
• Candle Making
• Sketching
• Cake decorating
• Pottery

Tip : Buy edible body paint to keep the creativity going after your arts n craft session together.

9. GET FANCY WITH A FOOD TASTING/DEGUSTATION

Cibo, Parnell

As well as having fantastic food, Cibo is an award-winning Auckland restaurant with a romantic atmosphere and a stunning layout, making it a great spot for a valentines dinner.

There is an impressive selection of meats on the tasting menu ranging from duck to veal, and wine pairings can be added to each dish to enhance the experience.

Sidart, Ponsonby

The Ponsonby restaurant Sidart, owned by Sid Sahrawat, offers a more intimate dining experience. Guests who are intrigued by the cooking process can witness it right there at the Chef's Table. Before a wine pairing is added, each ingredient and element is explained.

The Grove, Auckland CBD

True Auckland foodies must eat at The Grove at least once in their lifetime. One of Auckland's best restaurants, The Grove, has a strong reputation. Fresh, high-quality food is served on a menu that changes seasonally, depending on the availability of ingredients and produce. It is an experience you will never forget as the tasting menu features nine courses of pure deliciousness.

10. DO A VALENTINES MOVIE MARATHON

There is something so comforting about spending Valentine's day with your loved, all cozied up together with a good romantic movie, delicious food and some romantic extras so why not take it a step further and make it a marathon? 

We recommend Horrors (if you're looking for an excuse to get close), some good old romantic comedies and some romantic tear-jerkers to get your Valentine in their feels. We've done the leg work and made a list of the exact movies to do the trick, your welcome!

Horror Movies & Series :

• Paranormal Activity
• The Devil Inside
• American Horror Story (series)

Romantic Comedy Movies :

• How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
• The Notebook
• 50 First Dates
• The Proposal
• Pretty Woman
• Hitch
• Forgetting Sarah Marshall
• Me, Myself & Irene

Tear Jerker Romance Movies & Series :

• P.s I Love You
• The Fault In Our Stars

Saucy Romance Movies & Series :

• 50 Shades Of Grey
• 365 days (series)
• Sex Life (series)

Set the scene with:

- Love themed candy/chocolate 
- Heart shaped pizza if you can find it
- Popcorn
- Candles/Fairy lights
- Bonus Points? - A BLOOM BERRY Gift for your Valentine!