Top 10 Romantic Things To Do In Auckland
Whether you are an adventurous or a quiet person, Auckland offers plenty of options to spend a romantic day or a night out with your loved one. While the notion of a ‘romantic’ place is rather ambiguous, and it depends on people’s lifestyle and choices, we have come up with our own list of top 10. Spending a day or a night out with your partner at one or more of these places and you should have an enjoyable, fun and a memorable time together.
1. Sunrise at Takapuna Beach
For those romantic early-birds, experiencing the sunrise from the Takapuna beach overlooking the beautiful Rangitoto Island should set the stage for a beautiful day together. Take a walk along the beach while relishing the vista of the early sunlight as it kisses the earth and water, the calming sound of the waves and the breath of fresh air as they relax your body and mind.
What’s more, the local Takapuna beach cafes are open every morning from 6 am with plenty of breakfast options available. A perfect way to follow up the walk. If you are there on Sundays, there is a lively market with plenty to eat and drink, fresh organic produce, art and craft items and much more.
2. Silo Park Entertainment
If you feel like going to an outdoor cinema, climbing a wall, or visiting a spectacular event or market, Silo Park is the place for you. It is a trendy place with a wide range of activities. They have live music, as well as a unique exhibition space called Silo 6.
On Fridays evenings during the summer, there are options for you to eat, or grab a drink from the Silo bar and listen to some live music and watch an outdoor cinema. Be sure to check out their website to see what events are coming up.
Close to the park is an excellent selection of restaurants. So after spending some fun filled time at the park with your better half, savouring the specialities of these restaurants will be a perfect option.
Location: Corner of Beaumont and Jellicoe St Wynyard Quarter
3. Romantic Kiwi Sunset at Mt. Victoria in Devonport
This is an excellent option for those keen on experiencing kiwi culture while enjoying landscapes. Mount Victoria is a Volcanic hill in Devonport. It is easy to catch a ferry from downtown Auckland to get to Devonport. From there you can then take a walk together for 20 minutes to reach the summit. If you have a car, you can drive to the top where parking is available. Plan to grab a classic kiwi "Fish and Chips" in one of the few shops on Victoria Road.
Together, as you watch the sun go down, enjoy the panoramic view of the Auckland CBD, Rangitoto Island, the North Shore and the Hauraki Gulf, adorned in golden color by the setting sun.
4. Take a horse ride at Muriwai Beach, West Auckland
Horse riding can be a great adventure for couples. The team at Muriwai Beach Horse Treks cater for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced riders. They will take you along a track through the black sands of the Muriwai Beach up the Woodhill forest. Enjoy wild nature while riding!
Location: 100 Coast Road, Muriwai Beach
5. Wine tasting at Heron's Flight Winery
Wineries can be romantic places, especially if they have great stories to tell. Heron’s Flight is probably the only winery in New Zealand to specialise in Italian varieties - Sangiovese and Dolcetto. They are situated at about an hour’s drive from the Auckland CBD, on the sloping hills of Matakana.
The cellar door is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm and wine tastings start at $5.
Location: 49 Sharp Road, Matakana
6. Spend a night watching the stars at Stardome Observatory Planetarium
A night to take your love on a journey exploring more than 3000 stars and other heavenly bodies to the edge of the universe, all from the comfort of your own seats at the Stardome Observatory Planetarium. Furthermore, using the courtyard telescopes you can see distant space objects with your own eyes. An expert will tell you which star, or a planet or other heavenly body you’ve spotted.
On Valentine's Day, they offer a special planetarium show with food, drinks and music.
Location: 670 Manukau Road, Epsom
7. Wine and Dine at The Riverhead Historic Tavern – Riverhead
If you are looking to dine in at a country-style tavern with a historic feel, then The Riverhead Landing Restaurant is the perfect choice for you. Whether you choose a seat on the outside deck or the lawn overlooking the Waitemata River or just relax indoors, the charm of this building will not fail to make you and your love feel relaxed and at ease, away from the bustle of city life.
You will be greeted and served with a characteristic kiwi hospitality. Combine that with some mouth watering menu - including pork ribes, lamb shanks, fish and chips and scotch fillet and their iconic dessert - and you have a night to remember.
Location: 33 York Terrace, Riverhead
8. Karekare Waterfalls – West Auckland
Water lovers will be thrilled with this place. It is hidden, beautiful and the waterfall is quite big. The trees around the waterfall make a lovely shade, so you can take a seat while enjoying the water going down or having a bite to eat. Close to the main waterfall is a clear water stream. The waterfall forms a pool at the bottom where you can enjoy a nice swim. This is an area where you will feel completely surrounded by nature.
And yes, the Karekare beach is close by so you have the option of going for a romantic walk or a swim.
9. Have a Cocktail or two in Viaduct
The viaduct is a waterfront area with iconic restaurants, pubs, bars and eateries. It offers a great choice of New Zealand and International food. If you are into mouth-watering cocktails on a sunny day or beginning of a fun night, you might want to visit the Parasol & Swing Company. They are passionate; they care and provide an exceptional hospitality experience while you relax and enjoy a stunning view of the Viaduct Harbour.
10. Romantic table at Orbit 360 Restaurant – Sky Tower
Take your love to the top of the Sky Tower at the Orbit 360 Restaurant and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view of Auckland CDB, the Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf and much more. Sit back and enjoy some of the most delicious kiwi-inspired cuisine that is made with a range of local produce. This restaurant is all about experience - the inside, the outside, the hospitality, the menu, the wine, the dessert. However, as you relish the changing views of the Auckland skyline every minute, do not let this distract you from spending that quality time with your partner.
1. Sunrise at Takapuna Beach
For those romantic early-birds, experiencing the sunrise from the Takapuna beach overlooking the beautiful Rangitoto Island should set the stage for a beautiful day together. Take a walk along the beach while relishing the vista of the early sunlight as it kisses the earth and water, the calming sound of the waves and the breath of fresh air as they relax your body and mind.
What’s more, the local Takapuna beach cafes are open every morning from 6 am with plenty of breakfast options available. A perfect way to follow up the walk. If you are there on Sundays, there is a lively market with plenty to eat and drink, fresh organic produce, art and craft items and much more.
2. Silo Park Entertainment
If you feel like going to an outdoor cinema, climbing a wall, or visiting a spectacular event or market, Silo Park is the place for you. It is a trendy place with a wide range of activities. They have live music, as well as a unique exhibition space called Silo 6.
On Fridays evenings during the summer, there are options for you to eat, or grab a drink from the Silo bar and listen to some live music and watch an outdoor cinema. Be sure to check out their website to see what events are coming up.
Close to the park is an excellent selection of restaurants. So after spending some fun filled time at the park with your better half, savouring the specialities of these restaurants will be a perfect option.
Location: Corner of Beaumont and Jellicoe St Wynyard Quarter
3. Romantic Kiwi Sunset at Mt. Victoria in Devonport
This is an excellent option for those keen on experiencing kiwi culture while enjoying landscapes. Mount Victoria is a Volcanic hill in Devonport. It is easy to catch a ferry from downtown Auckland to get to Devonport. From there you can then take a walk together for 20 minutes to reach the summit. If you have a car, you can drive to the top where parking is available. Plan to grab a classic kiwi "Fish and Chips" in one of the few shops on Victoria Road.
Together, as you watch the sun go down, enjoy the panoramic view of the Auckland CBD, Rangitoto Island, the North Shore and the Hauraki Gulf, adorned in golden color by the setting sun.
4. Take a horse ride at Muriwai Beach, West Auckland
Horse riding can be a great adventure for couples. The team at Muriwai Beach Horse Treks cater for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced riders. They will take you along a track through the black sands of the Muriwai Beach up the Woodhill forest. Enjoy wild nature while riding!
Location: 100 Coast Road, Muriwai Beach
5. Wine tasting at Heron's Flight Winery
Wineries can be romantic places, especially if they have great stories to tell. Heron’s Flight is probably the only winery in New Zealand to specialise in Italian varieties - Sangiovese and Dolcetto. They are situated at about an hour’s drive from the Auckland CBD, on the sloping hills of Matakana.
The cellar door is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm and wine tastings start at $5.
Location: 49 Sharp Road, Matakana
6. Spend a night watching the stars at Stardome Observatory Planetarium
A night to take your love on a journey exploring more than 3000 stars and other heavenly bodies to the edge of the universe, all from the comfort of your own seats at the Stardome Observatory Planetarium. Furthermore, using the courtyard telescopes you can see distant space objects with your own eyes. An expert will tell you which star, or a planet or other heavenly body you’ve spotted.
On Valentine's Day, they offer a special planetarium show with food, drinks and music.
Location: 670 Manukau Road, Epsom
7. Wine and Dine at The Riverhead Historic Tavern – Riverhead
If you are looking to dine in at a country-style tavern with a historic feel, then The Riverhead Landing Restaurant is the perfect choice for you. Whether you choose a seat on the outside deck or the lawn overlooking the Waitemata River or just relax indoors, the charm of this building will not fail to make you and your love feel relaxed and at ease, away from the bustle of city life.
You will be greeted and served with a characteristic kiwi hospitality. Combine that with some mouth watering menu - including pork ribes, lamb shanks, fish and chips and scotch fillet and their iconic dessert - and you have a night to remember.
Location: 33 York Terrace, Riverhead
8. Karekare Waterfalls – West Auckland
Water lovers will be thrilled with this place. It is hidden, beautiful and the waterfall is quite big. The trees around the waterfall make a lovely shade, so you can take a seat while enjoying the water going down or having a bite to eat. Close to the main waterfall is a clear water stream. The waterfall forms a pool at the bottom where you can enjoy a nice swim. This is an area where you will feel completely surrounded by nature.
And yes, the Karekare beach is close by so you have the option of going for a romantic walk or a swim.
9. Have a Cocktail or two in Viaduct
The viaduct is a waterfront area with iconic restaurants, pubs, bars and eateries. It offers a great choice of New Zealand and International food. If you are into mouth-watering cocktails on a sunny day or beginning of a fun night, you might want to visit the Parasol & Swing Company. They are passionate; they care and provide an exceptional hospitality experience while you relax and enjoy a stunning view of the Viaduct Harbour.
10. Romantic table at Orbit 360 Restaurant – Sky Tower
Take your love to the top of the Sky Tower at the Orbit 360 Restaurant and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view of Auckland CDB, the Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf and much more. Sit back and enjoy some of the most delicious kiwi-inspired cuisine that is made with a range of local produce. This restaurant is all about experience - the inside, the outside, the hospitality, the menu, the wine, the dessert. However, as you relish the changing views of the Auckland skyline every minute, do not let this distract you from spending that quality time with your partner.