photos by Kateryna Hliznitsova
Your 2025 Guide to Valentine's Day
by Avya Hlaváč | 14 Jan 2025
Let's talk Valentine's Day.
A day we associate with heart-shaped chocolates, red roses and candlelit dinners.
At least, that's what commercialism says.
Where does the concept of Valentine's Day even come from?
Well, unbeknownst to many - Valentine's Day originated as a Christian feast day honouring a martyr named Valentine, a figure of sacrificial love in its truest form.
Over the centuries, it has developed into a celebration of romance and love in many regions worldwide.
It occurs on February 14th, a day that quickly follows the New Year's festivities, and as such, it is often forgotten or overlooked.
Whether or not you partake in the traditional meaning of Valentine's Day, many have latched on to the concept as an opportunity to spend quality time with a loved one.
Valentine's Day isn't recognised as a public holiday in New Zealand, but that's no excuse not to celebrate!
That's where we come in.
We're here with 2025 recommendations of where to take your lover (or pal) this Valentine's Day.
Not only this, but you will also receive quick-fire suggestions for floral alternatives, gift ideas, and date-day activities!
Without further ado - here is our 2025 Guide to Valentine's Day
Date Day Activities
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!
Private Picnic at Hamilton Gardens
- Date: Friday 14 February 2025
- Time: 6:00pm - 8:00 pm
- Price: $440 per couple ($220 per person)
Learn more and secure your spot here.
What's the Fuss with Flowers?
It's no secret that Valentine's Day is overly commercialised here in New Zealand.
A bouquet of roses is the traditional floral gift, but with such high demand - prices skyrocket, and stock sells quickly!
Here are our top tips for securing a unique Valentine's bouquet that doesn't break the bank.
Supermarket / Wholesale Flowers
A cost-effective way to nail the art of flower giving is to buy from a good supermarket or wholesaler and assemble your own bouquet! This allows you to see what's in season and get creative with it. You'll assemble a lush and lovely bouquet for half the cost of a florist bouquet!
Opt for Non-Traditional Flowers
Whether you are purchasing from the supermarket, wholesaler, or a florist, why not opt for non-traditional flowers? As long as the flowers are fresh and lovely, no one actually cares if they're roses! In February in NZ, dahlias, hydrangeas, sunflowers and marigolds are all in season. All of which are stunning alternatives to roses!
Don't Leave it Till Valentine's Day
Leaving your flower purchase till the day of is what will stitch you up. Pre-ordering from a florist or buying a bouquet a day beforehand is a wise way to ensure you have fresh and fragrant flowers come Valentine's Day.
Who Doesn't Love a Gift?
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.
Where to Wine and Dine?
Where should you take your lover this Valentine's Day?
Below, we've compiled a list of romantic places & events in Auckland where love will be in the air!
Tiger at SOHO
SOHO Auckland presents "Love at First Bite" at Tiger Restaurant.
Fall in love all over again this Valentine's Day with a candlelight dinner serenaded by a live band, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Learn more and book a table here.
Queens Head Bar & Eatery at Four Points by Sheraton.
Onslow
Spoil your partner this Valentine's Day at Onslow.
Join us for a special celebration dinner on Friday 14th February
Whether it’s your first Valentine’s together or your 20th, let us help you create lasting memories.
Prefer to share the occasion with friends? We welcome groups of four or more to join the celebration.
Learn more and book your table here.
Markovina Estate
Valentine's Day at Markovina Estate
Event Timing: Doors open from 5pm to give our guests time to relax in the gardens and explore everything that Markovina Estate has to offer.
Event Pricing: $149pp and includes your meal and welcome glass of prosecco.
On arrival…
A complementary glass of prosecco accompanied by an amuse bouche (a small hors d'oeuvre)
To start at your table…
An oyster with lemon and shallot vinegarette {GF}{DF}
Your entrée…
Prawn scampi, on Orzo with notes of chilli & lime accompanied by focaccia garlic herb crumb
Alternatively, our vegetarian option is below
Grilled courgette with green pea chilli and lime orzo {V}
Your bread course…
Freshly baked bread accompanying a bruleed bone marrow with chimichurri, cultured butter & olive oil
Your main meal…
Herb crust lamb rack with mash, pistachio & parsnip
OR
Citrus & juniper roast chicken, roast perlas, baby carrots & leek {GF}{DF}
Alternatively, our vegetarian option is below
Honey miso glazed eggplant with enoki mushrooms {GF}{DF}{V}
Your dessert…
Hazelnut & chocolate crunch, chocolate soil, coffee & salted caramel ice cream
Your cheese course…
Double cream bree with pear & fig chutney, Kikorangi blue with honeycomb, blackcurrant cheddar with assorted crackers
Any special requirements…
If you have any dietary requirements, or a preference for a different service of your main meal please let us know when you confirm your booking.
If you would like to reserve a table, just get in touch
info@markovina.co.nz or 09 412 8608
Saint Alice
Join us at Saint Alice for a Valentine's Day to remember.
Enjoy our $59pp feed-me-sharing menu, $16.50 spritz hour from 4 pm – 6pm, and world-class service – all with the best view in the city.
Bookings are highly recommended!
Learn more and book a table here.
Rydges Formosa Golf Resort
Valentine’s Day at Nineteen Restaurant
This Valentine’s Day, wow your special someone with an extraordinary dining experience at Nineteen Restaurant, set against a breathtaking coastal backdrop that is sure to impress.
Indulge in an exquisite menu, starting with a delicate Ratatouille tart topped with fresh burrata, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, and a vibrant pepper sauce.
For the main event, choose between a perfectly seared premium rib-eye steak or tender, flavourful King Salmon.
And to end the evening on a truly indulgent note, share a rich, velvety chocolate cheesecake.
Celebrating the day of love has never tasted so good.
Friday 14 February 2025
5.30pm – 9pm
$65pp
Learn more and book a table here.
Dr Rudi's
You & me, at Dr Rudi's.
What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than overlooking the waterfront?
Enjoy the views alongside our world-class service, house-brewed beers and tasty menu.
To ensure you and your special someone have the best Valentine's Day possible, we highly recommend making a reservation early—spots will fill up fast, and we don't want you to miss out!
Learn more and book a table here.
Rosanna's
Singles Night Vol 3.0
This Valentine’s Day, we’re inviting guests to step into the magical world of Mount Olympus. Whether they’re seeking a romantic connection, playful flirtation, or simply a memorable night out, Cupid’s Olympus promises to be a celebration of love in all its forms.- Signature Cocktails like Aphrodite’s Kiss and Hades’ Heat.
- Flirty Games & Activities such as the Arrow of Fate and Golden Apple Toss.
- Epic Party Vibes with a live DJ, mythological surprises, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Hephaestus’ Dipping Delights: Indulge in a cozy fire with marshmallows, fruits, and other treats dipped into molten chocolate.
- Delicious Food to keep the energy up for dancing and mingling.
- Guests will also be welcomed with a special drink crafted just for them as they arrive.
- Cupid will also be making a special appearance, ready to spark connections among attendees!
Morningside Tavern
The Tav has got everything you need for a perfect Valentine's Day!
Join us for all day dining and drinks, perfectly paired with a side of live music in the evening to set the mood.
Upgrade your romantic evening by selecting bubbles on arrival when booking your spot!
Learn more and book a table here.
kingi
Set the mood with good food, great wine, and an intimate atmosphere at kingi this Valentine's Day.
Share a relaxed evening under the glow of our chandeliers with a special menu featuring antipasti to start, followed by your choice of squid ink tagliatelle, pan-roasted snapper, or chickpea farinata, and dessert to finish — all for $90pp.
Make it extra special with Te Matuku Bay oysters to start, or add matched wines to round out the night.
Learn more and book a table here.
Tantalus Estate
Heletranz x Tantalus | Valentines Special
A special opportunity to delight the best person in your life with a romantic Valentine's Day Lunch at Tantalus Estate Vineyard on Waiheke Island.
We’ve taken care of every detail, so all you need to do is book, show up, and enjoy a delicious adventure that includes:
- Helicopter transfer from Auckland City
- Complimentary bubbles on arrival
- Estate wine tasting
- Three-course exclusive Valentine’s Day menu
- Return to Auckland via Fullers ferry
Exclusive seats are limited. First in, best dressed.
Learn more here.
Make a night of it
Delamore Lodge
Discover Luxury at Delamore Lodge.
Pamper yourself in the elegance of Delamore Lodge, an exclusive boutique resort located on Waiheke Island, the jewel of Auckland’s stunning Hauraki Gulf.
Our Packages can include Spa treatments, Gourmet experiences, a Romantic treat or a stunning helicopter trip.
For additional nights, or to simply treat yourself to a dinner, bed & breakfast escape, take a look at the special offers below.
Learn more and book your luxury getaway, here.
Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Plan Your Romantic Getaway
Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or just need a romantic retreat, Woodhouse Mountain Lodge offers the perfect setting.
Create your own itinerary by exploring our blog for more ideas on locations and activities to make the most of your romantic weekend away. Find hidden gems and local attractions to complement your stay at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge.
Book your stay and discover the romance that awaits in Warkworth.
The Hotel Britomart
Make a night of it with the The Lover Package!
Celebrate in the most romantic way by surprising the one you love with a dreamy getaway at The Hotel Britomart.
The Lover Package includes:
- One night's stay for two
- Bouquet of flowers
- Chocolates from Miann
- Breakfast for two in kingi
- Late check out
Learn more and book your stay here.
Four Points by Sheraton
Escape to Romance this Valentine's with Our Romantic Getaway Package!
Celebrate love with an unforgettable escape at Four Points by Sheraton, where every moment is designed for romance.
- Champagne & Cocktails: Enjoy a bottle of champagne upon arrival and indulge in evening cocktails for two at our luxury rooftop bar, The Churchill or restaurant, Queens Head Bar & Eatery.
- Daily Buffet Breakfast: Begin each day with a delicious buffet breakfast, ensuring a perfect start for all registered guests.
- Late Check-Out till 1 PM: Linger a little longer with a complimentary late check-out, giving you more time to relax together.
Create cherished memories with your special someone.
Book your Romantic Getaway today and let us make your love story even more magical!
Learn more and book here.
