The days may be colder but that doesn’t mean your love life should suffer. In fact, it’s more important than ever to get your date on—you need to secure a cuddle buddy for the chilly nights ahead. Whether you’re looking to impress your Tinderella/Tinderfella or you’re happily married with kids, there’s no shortage of winter romance in this city of ours. Here are our picks of the most romantic things to do in Auckland this winter.
Netflix and Chill
Yup, we said the most obvious one but you really can’t miss this one out of your winter date agenda. Cuddle up with your S/O and stream your fave films in the comfort of your own home. Feel free to chew as loud as you want, slurp on your drink, rummage through a bag of popcorn as it’s just you two. So don’t be scared to do whateeeever you waaaant (wink, wink).
Domain Wintergardens
Any person that says that they don’t like flowers, puh-lease. Get them a bouquet of beautiful flowers and we can guarantee that they will froth and put it all over their Instagram. Take the floral experience to a new level and take your S.O to the Domain Wintergardens for a magical experience with their romantic layout.
Dumpling Date
Winter food must be hot and hearty and dumplings are the perfect meal for that. Date night doesn’t always have to break the bank when Auckland has blessed us with cheap, tasty eats! We actually have done a round up of Auckland's best dumplings just in case you needed some guidance. Make sure to ALWAYS get some noodles to share as well and have a Lady & The Tramp moment, Chinese style.
Lady & The Tramp At Coco’s
Speaking of Lady & The Tramp, really live out that moment at Coco’s Cantina with their infamous spaghetti and meatballs. From the food to the vibe, Coco’s makes you feel like you’re at a humble family home serving soul food, full of love and will for sure warm your heart. It really is one of our fave winter date spots!
Aotea Square Ice Rink
Could there be any sport more romantic than ice skating? Nope, probably not. Hold hands as your whisk around the Aotea Square Ice Rink. Remember to not overthink it. If your date doesn’t know how to ice skate, that’s the perfect chance to take their hand and teach them. If you both don’t know how to ice skate, what a bonding opportunity! If you’re both hella good, show up those amateurs and prove that you’re the winter power couple of Auckland.
Auckland Night Markets
Markets become a tricky thing to hit up in the winter time as the rain gets in the way and it's just no fun, strolling around in soaked gears and puddly floors. Well, the Auckland Night Markets are located in carparks so there's shelter where ever you go and the crowds of people will for sure keep you warm! The stalls range from hot bowls of spicy noodles, freshly made waffles, dumplings and more!
Ice Cream Date!
Speaking of all this ice, the cravings for ice-cream are becoming so real. We don’t care what haters have to say, it is NEVER too cold for ice cream! Don’t just settle for any old scoop, take it to the next level at one of Auckland’s premium parlours. Giapo’s staple, the Giapo Buono can never do you wrong with that moreish meringue topping.
Jump
Going outside and getting in your daily dose of activity isn’t so easy in chilly days like this. Luckily Auckland has indoor trampoline parks for you to jump your heart out. Jump! is a bounding wonderland, you literally do not even realize the cardio that you’re getting done to shed off those winter layers!
Wine & Cheese Night At Home
You don’t need to venture out to get your fix of premium quality, artisan cheese and a fancy glass of wine! The Picnic Box deliver wine and cheese straight to your doorstep so you can graze in the comfort of your own, cosy home. Who said picnics are only for outdoors?!
Indulge In A Hot Cookie Dough
There is no dessert that trumps a hot, gooey cookie in a skillet with ice cream and Auckland has got the goods. Some of our fave joints that provide us with this beauty are Depot, Big Fish Eatery and Neighbourhood Brewbar!
The Choc Pot At The Blue Breeze Inn
Okay, maybe there are some desserts that could compete with the cookie on a skillet. The choc pot from The Blue Breeze Inn is truly something special. You know it’s going to be good when there’s a 15-minute wait for these babies as they’re all made fresh to order. The choc pot is a molten lava fondant cake and it oozes with the richest, melted chocolate and is absolute heaven.
Pizza Night
Eateries with fireplaces are a treat in the winter season but we think wood-fired pizza ovens are even better. Not only do they keep us toasty but they make bomb as pizza. Umu in Kingsland do it like no other, their sourdough base and flavourful toppings with a hip vibe are perfect for date night. Also right next to Umu is Elisabeth so you can sip on their infamous s’mores hot chocolate for dessert.
Get Cultured At The Auckland Art Gallery
Located in the heart of Auckland City, the Auckland Art Gallery is the ideal date destination when trying to get out of the rain and get in a light stroll. Elevate your quaint little walk with some of the amazing art this gallery has to offer and even take a moment to appreciate the architecture of this beauty.
Have A Weekend Escape
Why should a date only last a few hours?! It shouldn’t! Hitting the road on a Friday after work and coming back Sunday night is a dream time. Cold weekends are the perfect time to pack a bag, hop in the car and find yourselves at one of the cosy weekend escapes for chilly weekends. It’s the perfect excuse to get out of town and have some one-on-one time with bae (interpret how you wish). Here's a little round-up we did on the best cosy getaways for chilly weekends!
Warm Up With Giggles At The Classic
Laugh yourself warm and share a chuckle at The Classic comedy club. Putting on hilarious shows on a weekly basis, The Classic has turned in to the empire of major lols amongst Aucklanders and if your partner fails to strike your funny bone, the friends at The Classic have got your back.
Need more lovespiration? Check out The 10 Most Romantic Things To Do In Auckland.
Image credit: The Notebook