16 Creative Auckland Date Ideas: How We Keep Romance Alive

When we are not travelling, Jeff and I keep our marriage interesting with a weekly local date night in Auckland. And after years of dinners out, we began to be a bit more creative in our Auckland date ideas.

When we share our escapades on social media, we are often asked how we come up with so many creative date ideas in Auckland. The trick is simple, we spend time seeking them out.

The good news is that we have done much of the legwork for you. Read on and see if any of our favourite unusual date ideas appeal to you. Even if you live somewhere else, you may get some ideas here.

Romantic things to do in Auckland

Sunsets, sails, roses, dinner, or just cuddling at home, we find it all romantic. Here are our top romantic Auckland date ideas.

1. Share a romantic sunset or sunrise from the summit of a volcano

Various locations throughout the region

Auckland is built on the remains of 48 extinct and dormant volcanoes. The vast majority of these offer 360º views, so there is no shortage of great spots to watch the sunset or to get up early and watch the sunrise.

Plus, the walk to the top makes these Auckland date ideas even more fun. Taking romance a step further, when heading out in the early evening, we love to bring a picnic dinner.

Whichever volcano you choose, remember to bring a torch (flashlight), as it may be dark on the way back down (or on the way up if you are watching the sunrise).

2. Sail into the sunset on a harbour dinner cruise

Location: Meet at Viaduct Harbour

When we want to make that sunset even more romantic, we hop on board an Auckland harbour dinner cruise. Even locals need to get out on the Waitemata Harbour some times.

This adventure kicks off with a welcome drink on the deck. Then, we sail into the sunset with the stunning Auckland skyline as a backdrop.

Dinner (ordered in advance) is provided by a top Auckland restaurant that can cater to most dietary requirements. Watch the sunset from the deck, learn a bit about the history of your surroundings, and enjoy your evening.

For me, sailing and romance go hand in hand. Reserve your often-discounted Harbour dinner cruise here.

3. Pick up a pizza and download a movie

Location: home

Our Auckland date ideas don’t always take us anywhere. We often stay home and enjoy a pizza while we watch a movie. What makes it a date night is that we call it a date night, and we agree not to discuss anything controversial.

A cuddle on the couch can be just as romantic as an expensive evening out.

4. Stroll through the Parnell Rose Gardens

Location: 85-87 Gladstone Road, Parnell

If a bit of afternoon romance is in the cards, a stroll through the Parnell Rose Garden often fits the bill. We try to go once a year.

Roses are in bloom between late spring and early autumn. At the height of the season, usually mid-November, there are over 5,000 roses in bloom. It’s so colourful that we have created a separate page featuring more information and my photos of the rose gardens.

More outdoor Auckland date ideas

5. Sample some of the country’s best wine on Waiheke Island

With over 30 wineries to choose from, it’s no surprise that beautiful Waiheke Island is also a wine grower’s paradise. Wine tasting is an exciting all-day date, as unless you live on the island, it also includes a ferry ride there and back. Check for discounts on an all-day Waiheke wine tour that includes return ferry transfers.

Waiheke’s microclimate is credited with the production of many award-winning wines. We have our favourite wineries.

Join a tour to discover something new

Indoor Auckland date ideas

10. Cook together and discover new flavours at Elemental Cooking School by Sachie

Location: 91 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell

Formerly Sachie’s Kitchen, this award-winning cooking school is one of our favourite things to do in Auckland for couples. Not marketed as a couples event, but we cook in pairs, with two people per station. For us, this is an Auckland date night.

What makes it the perfect date in Auckland is the activity (cooking together) followed by the meal, as the class participants sit down together at the end of the night to enjoy the results.

In addition to the meals created, there are plenty of cultural learning opportunities.

This isn’t a last-minute date idea, as classes often sell out well in advance, and they need time to prep the food for each pair.

We have done four of their classes so far and regularly cook at home some of the dishes we learned in the classes.

11. Challenge your partner to a few board games

Location: 173 Symonds Street, Auckland

Cakes and Ladders is a board gaming cafe that is inexpensive yet filled with variety, and it’s good fun. You pay by the hour and play any game or games you choose from their massive board game library.

The cafe food is light and tasty, with plenty of coffee drinks and even gluten-free sweet treats. Open until 10 pm on most nights (closed Monday and Tuesday), it’s a great place to take a date.

12. Go on a classic dinner date

Various locations throughout the region

Auckland is a city loaded with unique restaurants, so there is nothing traditional about many of the options. And who doesn’t like to mix in the occasional classic date night?

We share our current favourites here: 20 Unique Restaurants in Auckland to Try

13. Gaze up at the stars at Stardome Observatory and Planetarium

Location: 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland

Stardome Observatory and Planetarium’s live show differs every night and starts with a reproduction of the current night sky. First, as seen with the naked eye, then as if the city lights (or clouds) disappeared.

Travel virtually beyond Auckland’s sky into the galaxy. After the show, head outdoors and view stars, planets, and nebulae through the courtyard telescopes. Reserve your often-discounted Stardome’s Our Sky Tonight show tickets here or read our review of Stardome Observatory.

14. Laugh the night away at The Classic: Comedy Club

Location: 321 Queen Street, Auckland CBD

The Classic presents a different show every night, and so far, we have always hit it when the comedians have been hilarious.

Note that seating is first come, first served. So, if you don’t want to risk getting heckled by the comedian, don’t sit right in front of the stage.

15. Cuddle up at one of the city’s unique movie theatres

Various locations throughout the region

Cuddling up in the dark at a movie theatre is a classic date from my younger days. Now, traditional theatres like Hoyts or Berkeley have larger, more comfortable seating with wide armrests that can hold a drink bottle. Don’t worry; cuddling is still possible.

Auckland also offers boutique cinemas like The Hollywood in Avondale, Silly Otter Cinemas in Oraki, The Capitol in Balmoral, or Rialto Cinema in Newmarket. Or, head over the bridge to Northcote (Bridgeway Cinemas), Matakana (Matakana Cinemas), or my personal favourite, The Vic in Devonport.

And then there is The Civic on Queen Street, one of a handful of remaining atmospheric theatres worldwide. Generally used for live performances, its impressive decor makes it one of the more romantic places in the city. And they still play movies occasionally, usually premieres or as part of the NZ International film festival.

16. Test your skill at Holey Moley Golf Club

Location: 204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD

Holey Moley is not your typical mini golf club. It’s an outrageously creative mini-golf experience. And if that’s not enough, there are snacks, meals, a bar, and even a private karaoke room. Our experience was loaded with laughs.

While it is great family fun during the day, Holey Moley converts to adults only after 7 pm. Located on Viaduct Harbour, it’s the ideal place to get your evening rolling before you hit the clubs.

Extend your date at one of the romantic hotels in Auckland

Personally, we prefer 4 or 5-star or higher with a bit of luxury and are usually willing to pay a bit more for it. Spending the night in the city is the perfect way to cap off any of the above date ideas in Auckland. Here are our two favourite local accommodations:

• Hotel DeBrett
  This fun and funky boutique hotel offers affordable luxury wrapped in art deco decor. It’s the attention to every detail that grabs my focus. We have stayed in a classic room and the loft suite with a lounge area featuring a spiral staircase that leads to a surprisingly large bedroom. In both rooms, the most notable feature is the incredibly comfortable bed along with a pillow menu for the perfect night’s sleep. Centrally located, we can walk to many key attractions and our favourite restaurants. Note: car parking must be reserved and the lot is a few blocks away. Book your stay at Hotel DeBrett here.
• Cordis Auckland by Langham
  With an internationally acclaimed spa and a rooftop pool, Cordis is our other favourite hotel in the city, primarily because they built their Pinnacle Tower offering incredible views that complement their impeccable service. Quite different from Hotel Debrett in personality, but both are equally superb. Cordis boasts modern luxury and focuses on every detail, including a fabulously plush and comfortable bed and a central location. Here, the parking is valet and, therefore, on-site. Book your room at Cordis here.

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Which of these Auckland date ideas will you try first?

Don’t miss:

• Auckland Activities: 12 Unique Things to Do in New Zealand
• 30 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night in 2021
• 40 Rainy Day Indoor Activities in Auckland New Zealand
• 75 Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand
• 15 Adventure Activities in Auckland with Discounts in 2021

Disclaimer: We are frequently provided with complimentary entrances, tours, media rates, or sample items to aid in the writing of Albom Adventures. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.