Love doesn't have to cost the world—no really, it doesn't, as this list of 50 date ideas for under $50 shows. From stargazing to strawberry farms, museums to mini golf, and ice skating to ice cream crawls, there are plenty of cute, fun and outright romantic ideas for you and your beloved to get amongst.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a cheeky fifty in one hand and your lover in the other, and start making your way through our tried-and-tested list of the best 50 date ideas in Auckland for $50 or less.
- Head to the beach—because sand, sunshine, and sparkling water never go out of style.
- Catch a film—you know, at an actual cinema. You may need to sneak in a few treats to stay under budget but shhh, you didn't hear it from us.
- Take your pick of Auckland's 50 best cheap eats, all costing $20 or less—that's literally your dates for the next year sorted.
- Wander the waterfront and dream about one day owning your own superyacht.
- Pack snacks and make tracks for one of these stunning picnic spots.
- Channel your inner child with a trip to Auckland Zoo (please refrain from any monkey business until AFTER your visit).
- Cosy up with a glass of vino at one of the city's best wine bars—we're currently crushing on Est. 1901, Ooh-Fa, and Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar.
- Get adventurous and explore a real-life cave (the perfect excuse to keep your s/o close).
- Arm yourself with snacks and prepare for battle, board game styles.
- Sweeten the deal with a late-night dessert crawl.
- Take your love to new heights, literally, with a trip up the Sky Tower (hand-squeezing guaranteed).
- Keep your mind (or at the very least, your ball) out of the gutter with a spot of ten-pin bowling.
- Stuff your face with some of the city's best street food at one of The Food Truck Collective or Love Street Food's regular events.
- Frolick amongst the fields at one of Auckland's dedicated lavender farms (and nab yourself a hella romantic new profile pic while you're at it).
- Nothing says love like a home-cooked meal—set the table, pour a nice bottle of wine, and spoil your date with something delicious.
- See how your team of two holds up with a trip to one of these epic escape rooms.
- We've said it before,and we'll say it again—ice cream crawls are totally a thing. Make a plan of attack with this list.
- Rise and shine early on the weekend and head along to one of these top-notch markets. Comfort yourself with the knowledge that coffee, brekkie and a long list of bargains will be waiting.
- Go behind the scenes at 1919 Distillery aka the home of Pineapple Lump-flavoured gin with this sweet tour and tasting sesh.
- Rug up warm and hit one of these top Auckland ice rinks.
- Head out of town to Tawharanui Regional Park where you can hone your bird-watching skills before taking a dip in the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for Saddlebacks and other unique species.
- Shoot the breeze over a hot chocolate (or three) at one of these hot choccy connoisseurs around town.
- Muse over legit works of art at the Auckland Art Gallery or go a little more obscure with these other superb Auckland galleries.
- Putt your collective stuff over at Holey Moley or one of these tricky mini golf courses.
- Brush up on your history at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Finish with a wander through the nearby Wintergardens (and a cheeky kiss beneath the rotunda).
- Hit up one of the city's best rooftop bars for a next-level cocktail AND next-level views.
- Explore the tunnels at North Head—beware of giant cannons and disappearing guns (IYKYK). Tarry a while and get to know this charming north shore suburb a little better.
- Play treasure hunters for the day with a spot of geocaching.
- Show your s/o who's boss by smashing them on arcade games at Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique (bonus points if you can actually smash them on the dodgems).
- Chase waterfalls, for real, at one of these breathtaking spots.
- Bring your appetite along to the veritable feast that is the Auckland Night Markets.
- Don your cutest overalls-and-straw-hat combo, and visit one of these charming strawberry farms.
- Catch a game at Schapiro's Sports Bar—sink a drink and even some snacks if the budget allows (the food here is legit).
- Lay beneath the stars at Stardome Observatory and Planetarium, or one of the city's other superb star-gazing spots.
- Escape to Catalina Bay—nab a coffee from Fabric, walk the boardwalk and finish with an ice-cold brew from Little Creatures.
- Suit up for a round of laser tag—for added excitement, join opposing teams.
- Walk the incredible sculpture trail at Brick Bay. Be sure to grab a coffee from the admissions desk on your way in.
- Play Mario and Princess Peach for a day with a round of go-karting.
- Bust out your walking shoes and hit up a new trail together—here are some of Auckland's best.
- (Politely) invite your lover to shut up and dance with you at one of Auckland's best nightclubs.
- Get your fill of transport and tech at MOTAT. For peak cuteness, take a ride aboard the tram.
- Show off your mad rock climbing skills (or lack thereof) at these rad indoor rock climbing gyms.
- Grab a rug and a bottle of bubbly and catch the sunset at one of these gorgeous spots.
- Or opt for coffees and fresh pastries, and soak up a sunrise instead.
- Belt out a tune or two in your own private karaoke room (prices start from around $30). If you wanna take the stage at a karaoke bar, however, that'll cost you nothing—except, perhaps, your dignity.
- Take a dip at one of Auckland's best swimming pools. If you really want to impress, pick one with a diving board.
- Uncover the only secrets ever welcome in your relationship—that would be these 10 hidden spots around Auckland.
- Indulge in a bit of bird-watching at Muriwai's famed gannet colony. Pick up supplies from The Muriwai Deli, West Supply or The Real Bead Project on your way through.
- Rent a tandem bike (seriously, could there BE anything cuter?).
- And finally, what would this list be without the suggestion of snuggling up on the couch (and into one another) with an armload of snacks, and a new movie or TV series to binge.
Want even more date inspo? Here are some great Auckland dates that aren't dinner and a movie.
Image credit: Priscilla Du Preez, Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique, QT Auckland, Brick Bay.