Where To Wine, Dine And Treat Your Lover In Auckland This Valentine’s Day
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
Hello lovers. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner—14 February to be exact—so if you haven’t made plans yet, you’d better hustle. Whether you love one or many, you’re looking to sweep your fellow lovebird off their feet, or you’re thinking about taking your situationship to the next level, a romantic Valentine’s Day date is sure to have them catching all the feels. Cupid’s at the ready and we’re crossing our fingers for fireworks.
Here are the most romantic places to wine, dine and treat your lover in Auckland this Valentine’s Day (or live it up while revelling in singledom). Heads up: Some of these gigs take place either side of Valentine’s Day so take a second glance before you lock it in mmmkay?
Your Valentine's Day Lineup At A Glance
Jump to:
- Auckland's Best Valentine's Day Activities
- Auckland’s Best Valentine’s Day Dinners
- Auckland’s Best Valentine’s Day Treats
Auckland’s Best Valentine’s Day Activities
Esther High Tea, Baked With Love
14, 21 & 28 February & 7 March | QT Auckland | $89-109 per person
Image credit: Esther | supplied
Take your crush to this limited-edition Valentine's Day high tea and it'll be love at first bite. The collab between Esther and Baby Buck Baking is a sweet tooth's dream with a roaming dessert trolley spiked with hot ganache, trifle and buttercream and rivalled only by their G&T trolley (or $20 bottomless Prosecco upgrade). Better still, this one's happening across four dates so if heaven forbid your lover has to work on Valentine's, they can still be totally treated at a later date.
Be Mine, A Valentine's Candle-Making Class With Sybs
13 February | Residium, 165 The Strand, Parnell
Nothing says 'i'm so freaking in love with you' like staring into your lover's eyes while you seductively pour hot wax into a candle jar. Tāmaki Makaurau is blessed to be a city full of wonderful people doing epic things and Cam, the candle-maker behind sybs, is one of those people. Share the love with an evening Valentine's Day candle-making workshop for something a little bit different this V-Day.
Bachata Speed Dating - Learn To Dance
13 February | TAPAC | $30 per person
There’s nothing wrong with being single on Valentine’s Day but if you’re down for a bit of fun, sashay on over to Tapac for KD Dance’s Valentine’s Day Bachata Speed Dating. Teachers, David and Katie (who auspiciously fell in love at a bachata class three years ago), will teach you some basic steps and then you’ll dance through potential matches, no small talk required.
Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special
14 February | St Mary's-in-Holy Trinity, Parnell | $48-125
If Elton John's 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight?' never fails to hit you straight in the feels, you'll want to snap up some tickets to Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special. The one-hour candlelit concert is a communal soundbath of epic proportions with the Kulios String Quartet bringing some of the most love-soaked songs to life.
Celestial Love Market
14 February | Ellen Melville Centre | Free
Part of Auckland Pride, the Celestial Love Market (which kicks off at 12pm) will satiate all cravings, from Elote Cartel's tastebud-tantalising American Mexican street food to top tier sonic and handcrafted goods by queer makers and rainbow allies.
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Valentine's Day Flash Tattoo Pop Up
14 February | Enamoured Books, Remuera | varies
Tāmaki Makaurau's spiciest bookshop, Enamoured Books, is hosting a Valentine's Day Flash Tattoo Pop Up where, thanks to the inked artistry of tattoo artists Alex Hart and Brock Fidow, you can make your love (for yourself or another) indelible. The bookshop is also holding a workshop on 'The Art of The Sex Toy' the night before with sexologist Melissa Vranjes with tickets clocking in at $79 a pop.
Record A Duet
14 February | Big Fan, Morningside | $199 for 2 people
If you've proven to be a powerhouse duo at karaoke, this is your sign to head to Big Fan this Valentine's Day and record a song together. You'll walk away with a professionally-mixed recording of your cover song of choice (from their V-Day playlist) and enjoy a complimentary drink from the nearby Side Hustle Bar before or after.
Written In The Stars: Valentine's Day 2026
14 February | Te Whatu Stardome, Greenlane | $25 per person
Te Whatu Stardome has put together a simply gorgeous Valentine's Day offering this year, with a free Valentine's afternoon on the lawn with live music and kai by the Food Truck Collective. Take it to the next level with their Written In The Stars Valentine's Day planetarium experience ($25 per person), exploring a love-laced cosmos while being serenaded by live music courtesy of Auckland Philharmonia's Dolce Aspro.
Soothe Your Heart By Hulking Out
Anytime | Rage Out, Newton | From $100 per person
Dealing with a painful case of unrequited love? Or maybe someone recently stamped on your heart. Taking a moment to process these things is healthy and I can think of no better way to do so than by smashing the sh*t out of a car. Hand over a crisp hundred dollar bill (or, like, swipe your card) at Rage Out and you can do exactly that, with your weapon of choice. Best Valentine's Day ever? I think so.
Big Gay Out 2026
15 February | Coyle Park | Free
A deep celebration of love and togetherness, Big Gay Out delivers one helluva party year-on-year and for 2026 it's back at Coyle Park with music and markets, performances and a joyful community spirit. Gather your crew and get amongst.
Auckland's Best Valentine's Day Dinners
Gilt Brasserie
14 February | 2 Chancery Street Chambers | $145 per person
Image credit: Gilt Brasserie | Instagram
The decor will have you smitten with Gilt Brasserie, even before the plates arrive at your table. For Valentine's, they're planning a four-course sharing menu with tasting notes like crayfish, tomato schnitzel and fillet mignon... For dessert, you'll choose between a darling Paris-Brest cream patisserie with preserved peaches and vanilla glaze, or they're signature chocolate mousse paired with preserved cherries and Chantilly cream.
Culprit.
14 February | Level 1/12 Wyndham Street, Auckland | $199
Image credit: Culprit. | website
If anyone's guilty here, it's me—for falling deeply and madly in love with Culprit. the second I first stepped through its doors. If you, too, swoon hard for their sumptuous fare, you might just like to treat your beau to their Valentine's Day spread. Along with what will no doubt be a delightful menu (set to be revealed shortly), you'll also receive a glass of Champagne Collet on arrival, and the chance to ask your lover if they'll accept this rose, courtesy of the cupids at Greenpoint Florist.
The College Hill Wine Room
14 February | 43 College Hill, Auckland | $199 per person
Image credit: The College Hill Wine Room | Jono Parker
The College Hill Wine Room is hosting a French-inspired Valentine's candlelit evening of live music and food, elevated with exquisite wine pairings. No detail has been spared by executive chef Ryan Moore and David Nash in curating a glorious five-part menu (wine-matched, naturally) and a dolce gift box to take home for all the sweet endings. Some dietaries are able to be catered to, but it's essential to let the team know in advance.
Tempero
14 February | 352 Karangahape Road | $150 per person
Image credit: Tempero | Instagram
The folks at Tempero have whipped up a secret four-course menu, complete with beverage pairings and if you've ever been to Tempero, you'll know that no matter what they bring out, it'll be straight to core memory. Vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free dietaries are able to be accomodated, just let the team know when you book.
Atelier
14 February | 292 Karangahape Road, Newton | $100 per person
Image credit: Atelier | Wono Kim
The very definition of pleasure, Atelier is also coming to the Valentine's Day party with a four-course Valentine's Day set. The details are currently a closely-guarded secret but we're certain it'll be nothing less than exquisite.
Bistro Saine
14 February | Hotel Indigo, Auckland Central | $125 per person
Image credit: Bistro Saine | Babiche Martens and Jonny Valiant
Step into Bistro Saine's sultry French-inspired interiors and enjoy a Valentine's five-course sharing menu beginning with oysters and Champagne and ending with an intriguing little number they're calling sourdough parfait. Sure to please (and sure to book out), if this sounds like a bit of you, snap up those tickets, stat.
Auckland's Best Valentine's Day Treats
Valentine's Mochi Cheesecake
13 & 14 February | Fankery (Pick Up Or Delivery) | $58
Image credit: Fankery | supplied
Fankery is at it again with dreamy Valentine's Day treats that'll sweep your loved one off their feet (and leave them very satisfied indeed). This year, choose from a a trio of mochi filled burnt Basque cheesecakes in lychee strawberry 'edible bouquet' (pictured), jasmine grape, or caramel pudding edits. Each 4-inch cake serves 2-3 people and is yours for just $58. Pre-order now for Newmarket pick up or delivery anywhere in Auckland.
Custom Message Brownie
Pre-Order | The Sugar Dealer, Karangahape Road
Image credit: The Sugar Dealer | Instagram
Expressing your adoration for someone isn't always easy. Sometimes you need a surprisingly bold brownie to do the talking for you. And for that, there's The Sugar Dealer. Dishing brownies that will say whatever you like (slurs aside, of course), with a taste that's seriously off the chain, it's easy to see why this is one of the best ways to treat your lover this Valentine's Day or, like, any day actually.
Moksha Gin
Anytime, Your Glass
Image credit: Moksha | website
For a Valentine’s Day date that’s whimsical and more than just a little bit boozy, why not bequeath your beloved a bottle of Moksha Rose & Hibiscus Gin? Spiked with cardamom and organic rose petals from India, plus Hibiscus flowers and a dash of orange, this cheeky tipple is the perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day spread. One sip and your date will be all a-flutter.
Want more? Check out:
- Auckland's Best Picnic Spots
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- 25+ Auckland Date Ideas That Aren't Dinner And A Movie
Main image credit: Bistro Saine | website.