Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and we're here to help you plan your dream date.
From heart-shaped chocolates and red roses to spending quality time with your loved one, we'll take any excuse to celebrate the gift of love.
Originating from a Christian feast day honouring a martyr named Valentine, February 14th has since become a celebration of romance and love in many regions worldwide.
Though Valentine’s Day isn’t recognised as a public holiday in New Zealand, many venues still come to the party with special events, romantic dinners and speciality menus.
Whether it's gathering with the girls, your long-term partner or a new romance, we’re here with 2026 recommendations for where and how to celebrate Valentine's Day in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.
Our Valentine's Day guide also includes quick-fire suggestions for floral alternatives, gift ideas and date-day activities.
Wondering what's popping off across NZ this Valentine's Day? We've compiled a list of the best local Valentine's Day events for 2026, along with handy tips, activity ideas and local florists to support.
This Valentine’s Day, Sofitel invites couples to indulge in a four-course set menu designed to celebrate love in all its forms. Expect beautifully crafted dishes, thoughtful presentation, and a dining experience designed to linger.
Date: Saturday, 14 February 2026, from 6.00pm Price: $99 per person Wine pairing: Additional $69 per person
Valentine's Weekend at Farm House Cafe Love is best shared… preferably with dessert and Champagne.
Farm House Cafe is special 4-course Valentine’s High Tea, curated by their kitchen team and served in a relaxed rural setting. Guests can choose to upgrade with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne for an extra-special celebration.
High Tea bookings are essential.
Valentine’s High Tea: Four-course High Tea, with optional Piper-Heidsieck Champagne upgrade (bookings essential)
“The Love Actually Sundae” (for two): Sin-in-a-Bun, six scoops of house-made gelato, sauces, and cabinet sweet treats (available all weekend)
Valentine’s Weekend Offer: $99.90 — two mains (Pimp My Cheese Scone + any waffle) plus two glasses of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne
Celebrate Valentine’s Day on Dr Rudi's rooftop with harbour views, signature drinks, and Dr Rudi’s famous pizzas. Overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, Dr Rudi’s is the perfect waterfront spot for a date night or Galentine’s gathering.
Keeping things relaxed this Valentine’s Day, The Springs is all about good food, cold drinks, and zero pressure. With a laid-back atmosphere, it’s an easy choice for couples, friends, and families alike.
Expect a casual Valentine’s Day celebration with a surprise-and-delight for guests who book a table — no set menus, just good times.
Naumi Auckland Airport Hotel is known for its playful interiors, vibrant hospitality, and standout dining destination. Located just minutes from Auckland Airport, it’s a surprisingly intimate spot for locals and travellers seeking somewhere special to celebrate with their Valentine.
Valentine’s Day Event: Under the Lunar Spell
Celebrate love with a romantic four-course Valentine’s Day dinner at Restaurant Lunar & Bar, complete with a complimentary beverage on arrival.
Early Bird: $79 per person (5.00pm–7.00pm) Evening Sitting: $89 per person (7.30pm–9.30pm)
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with an intimate evening at Bracu Restaurant, where romance meets refined dining in the heart of our olive groves.
Designed for sharing, this exclusive four-course dining experience has been thoughtfully crafted to showcase seasonal flavours and elegant technique. From the first course to the last, expect a dining journey that is indulgent and truly memorable.
Dining sessions: From 5.30pm onwards Price: $159 per person
Food is the love language here, and Esther is serving it generously this Valentine's Day. Expect a candlelit dinner, a sparkling cocktail on arrival, and a three-course Mediterranean feast designed to share. Think sun-kissed flavours, indulgent plates, and just the right amount of decadence to set the mood.
This Valentine’s Day, Tantalus Estate invites sweethearts to indulge in a curated dining experience focused on estate-grown seasonal produce and local seafood.
Guests may choose between a three-course set lunch or a more indulgent five-course “Trust the Chef” lunch or dinner, designed for sharing. Optional enhancements are on offer such as wine pairings, snacks and nibbles, and a Kaluga Krystal caviar bump.
3-course set lunch: $120 per person 5-course “Trust the Chef” lunch or dinner: $175 per person
Cassia, by award-winning Chef Sid Sahrawat, blends traditional Indian flavours with premium New Zealand produce. With multiple accolades to its name, including two Cuisine Good Food hats, Cassia is a go-to for a polished night out.
For Valentine’s Day, Cassia will serve its beloved award-winning menu, with the option to add a rose stem to each table. To elevate the evening, SkyBar will also offer a His & Hers shared cocktail experience, featuring two signature cocktails paired with Sucré by SkyCity chocolates.
His & Hers Cocktails: $49 for 2 people Roses: $15 per stem
Led by Chef Michael Meredith, Metita is one of Auckland’s most celebrated dining destinations, reimagining traditional Pacific flavours through refined technique in a contemporary setting.
This Valentine’s Day, Metita will be serving its award-winning menu, with the option to add a rose stem to the table. Couples can also pre-order a Rose dessert to share for two— a romantic, rose-shaped dessert layered with chocolate mousse, spiced sponge, mixed berry compote, and finished with fresh flowers.
48-hour pre-order required. Roses: $15 per stem Rose Dessert: $24 per person
This Valentine’s Day, Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre is offering a range of indulgent dining experiences to suit every kind of celebration, from leisurely daytime treats to relaxed evening dining.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s much-loved Valentine’s High Tea served in Wellington’s Restaurant, opt for a Valentine’s Carvery Buffet featuring themed dishes and desserts, followed by the Valentine’s Dessert Buffet.
Valentine’s High Tea: $69 per adult | $32 per child Sitting Times: (10.00am–12.00pm or 2.00pm–5.00pm)
Valentine’s Carvery Buffet: $69 per adult | $59 Gold Card | $32 children (4–12 years) Valentine’s Dessert Buffet: $29 per person Times: (6.00 pm–9.00 pm)
This Valentine’s Day, The French Café invites couples to celebrate with an indulgent evening of food and Champagne.
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne, followed by a four-course tasting menu with snacks to start, designed for sharing, lingering, and connection.
SOHO Hotel Auckland offers a stylish, inner-city setting for an elevated Valentine’s Day celebration. Home to Tiger Bar & Restaurant, the hotel is known for its fresh, innovative flavours with an Asian-fusion twist, making it a popular choice for couples seeking something a little different.
This Valentine’s Day, guests are invited to enjoy a romantic three-course dinner at Tiger Bar & Restaurant, complete with a glass of bubbles on arrival. Non-resident guests are welcome, and bookings are recommended.
This Valentine’s Day, Hamilton Gardens invites you to escape to a world of romance and delight. For one magical evening, just 11 couples will have exclusive access to their own private garden within our Enclosed Gardens.
With a gourmet picnic and a bottle of bubbly, you'll enjoy a serene, uninterrupted dining experience. No crowds or distractions, just you and your partner in a dreamlike setting.
Time: Friday 14 February, 6:30pm – 8:30 pm Location: Hamilton Gardens (Enclosed Gardens) Tickets: $440 per couple ($220 per person) Includes: Exclusive private garden dining experience with a set menu & 375ml bubbly provided. Availability: Limited to 11 couples only
This Valentine's Day, The Clements Hotel invites guests to wine and dine at The Gallery. Whether in the refined indoor restaurant or on the sunny terrace, The Gallery will be offering a special Valentine's Day menu with a focus on celebrating local flavours.
This Valentine’s Day, Naumi Hotel Wellington invites couples to slow down and connect with an unplugged dining experience at Lola Rouge Restaurant & Bar.
Guests can enjoy a special Valentine’s Day set menu designed for sharing, or choose from the à la carte menu, all within a warm, modern setting made for meaningful moments.
Valentine’s Day dinner: 14 February 2026 (from 5pm)
Set menu: $85 per person
Couples can also extend the experience with a Valentine’s Day accommodation package, available in Designer Rooms and Naumi Suites throughout February.
Galentine’s Day at Dirty Little Secret Valentine’s Day is for the girls at this rooftop rave, featuring an all-female DJ lineup from 2 pm, $15 spritz and frozen cocktails, and plenty of good vibes. Bookings score free lollies and a Polaroid photo to take home.
This Valentine’s Day, Frankie’s is hosting an intimate four-course dinner, designed to help couples slow down, share plates, and savour the occasion together. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of bubbles on arrival, then enjoy a specialty menu featuring market oysters, baked brie, chateaubriand with Béarnaise, and a dark chocolate and orange tart to finish.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style at The Carlton, where refined dining meets live entertainment. A Christchurch favourite for its classic charm and elevated menu, this venue offers a lively yet romantic night out.
Enjoy a three-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu paired with live entertainment from 5.30pm, with every booking going into the draw to win a couples massage at The Vale.
This Valentine’s Day, Casa Pública is turning up the heat with a bold, flavour-led dining experience in the heart of Christchurch. Known for its vibrant South American cuisine and energetic atmosphere, this is one for couples who like their romance served with a little spice.
On Saturday 14 February, guests can indulge in an exclusive six-course tasting menu designed to ignite the senses, with an optional Rose Upgrade available for an extra-special touch.
Pottery Class: Get hands-on with a pottery class, where you can craft something unique together and take home a tangible memory of your V-Day together.
Paint & Sip: Unleash your inner artist while sipping wine and painting a masterpiece, making for a fun and light-hearted Valentine's Day activity.
Mini-golf: Enjoy a playful and competitive outing with a round of mini-golf, where you can share laughs, cheer each other on, and maybe even spark some friendly rivalry.
Picnic on the Beach: Make the most of summer in New Zealand with a sunset picnic on the beach, complete with a bottle of wine and the sound of waves as your soundtrack.
Sunrise Coffee & a Walk: Start the day right with a glorious sunrise, a hot cup of coffee and a scenic walk!
Your Guide to Valentine's Day Flowers
BlushFloralessenceJardin Bell
While roses are the traditional go-to for Valentine's Day glowers, there are a plethora of seasonal, affordable, and ever-so-beautiful options.
Why not support local this Valentine's Day and check out some of our favourite Auckland-based florists?
Blush
Blush is a well-loved name in New Zealand floristry, recognised for its elegant aesthetic and beautifully lush arrangements. Their Commercial Bay store is a constant source of inspiration and a favourite stop for those wanting something a little extra this Valentine’s Day.
Led by Renee, Jardin Bell is an Auckland-based florist known for handcrafted arrangements with meticulous attention to detail and artistry. With a dedicated flower garden, her team is able to offer truly seasonal arrangements that feel personal, considered, and beautifully natural.
Floralessence NZ offers a thoughtful mix of fresh and dried floral arrangements, perfect for those wanting something that lasts beyond Valentine’s Day. Known for accessible pricing and flexible options, Floralessence NZ makes it easy to find beautiful blooms for any occasion.
We're firm believers that gift-giving shouldn't be an expensive or stressful endeavour. If you want to give your lover something thoughtful yet affordable, these DIY gift ideas are for you:
Love Vouchers: Create a booklet of "love coupons" with redeemable offers like a home-cooked meal, a movie night, or a massage.
Photo Collage or Scrapbook: Compile a collection of photos and mementos into a collage or scrapbook.
Home Spa Kit: Put together a DIY spa kit with bath bombs, essential oils, and candles for a relaxing evening at home.
Goodie Box: Allocate your budget and assemble a thoughtful basket of your partner's favourite edible goodies.
Homemade Card / Handwritten Letter: If words of affirmation are one of your partner's primary love languages - a homemade card or handwritten letter goes away! Pull out that craft box and get creative.
Personalised playlist: You can go full cheese on this one. Whether it's creating a playlist with songs that make you think of the other person or songs sentimental to your relationship - a thoughtfully crafted Valentine's Day playlist is a gift that'll keep on giving.
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a relaxed date day, or a thoughtful DIY gift, Valentine’s Day is ultimately about slowing down and celebrating connection.
From standout dining experiences at Auckland’s most romantic venues to simple, meaningful ways to show your love, there’s right or wrong way to celebrate love.
However you choose to spend this February 14th, make it true to you - and enjoy!
