Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and for those who celebrate it – and don’t have any ideas in mind – here’s a top five list for you!
A snowy escape
Yeah, yeah we know it’s summer, but it’s winter all year round at Snowplanet!
Snow-lovers are probably thinking "why didn't we think of this before?". Spending the most romantic day in the year doing one of the things you love the most - why didn't you think of it before?
For those who have never been to the snow, here’s a great opportunity for you and your significant other to try a fun new activity together - just be sure to book in a lesson!
From 10am – 10pm on Thursday, you have the whole day to make the most of this uniquely Auckland Valentine’s Day idea.
snowplanet.co.nz
Celebrate an ancient tradition
Auckland Lantern Festival is a great place for a date!
In ancient China, lantern festivals became the Chinese equivalent to Valentine’s Day as it was one of the few times young men and women could meet, under the bright lights of the beautiful lanterns and dressed in their best.
Coincidentally, this year’s Lantern Appreciation Night, which is all about the lanterns and less about stalls and performances, falls on Valentine’s Day…
Just cruise around
Auckland is surrounded by beautiful sparkling harbours, so the opportunities to get out on the water are endless!
An abundance of cruise options is available for you to choose from: from luxury yachting, to whale cruises, to ferrying about with your AT Hop card (with a picnic to enjoy at your destination).
Prove your love is as big as the ocean with a water-based Valentine’s date. Options are available day or night and can cater to all budgets.
aucklandnz.com/visit/discover/activities/water-activities
Hearts boom for our volcanoes
Have you ever spent a Valentine's day on a volcano before? Well now you can!
Rangitoto is our most iconic volcano in the region. It makes a fantastic day trip or overnight stay in one of the old DOC cabins. You can even kayak across at twilight and enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ on the island with Auckland Sea Kayaks.
Need a mainland option? Mt Eden boasts beautiful 360° views and is an easy walk to the summit. Take a picnic dinner and watch the sun go down over the city.
aucklandnz.com/visit/discover/volcanic-cones
A night-time picnic and light show
Don’t get out of work until late? In need of a budget-friendly Valentine's idea? Then get a picnic and set yourself up somewhere with an amazing view of the Auckland Harbour bridge.
In support of Auckland Lantern festival, Vector Lights will display a 5-minute ‘Year of the Pig’-inspired animation and sound show on Auckland Harbour Bridge, playing between 9pm and midnight each night of the event.
Some great places for a picnic with a view are:
• Sentinel Beach, Herne Bay
• Mt Victoria, Devonport
• Little Shoal Bay, Northcote
• Harbour View Beach Reserve, Te Atatū Peninsula
• Bayswater Marina, Bayswater
• Queens Parade, Devonport
• Bastion Point, Orakei
Ultimately, no matter what it is that interests you and your partner, Auckland is a great source of entertainment, food and indoor/outdoor activity options for any couples outing.
Check out aucklandnz.com/visit for more inspiration on what you can get up to for Valentine’s Day 2019.