Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Need date ideas this Valentine's Day? We've got you covered with a variety of outdoor activities that are a sure way to impress your valentine.

 

Short Walk

Bring out your inner adventurer by journeying around the North and South Island exploring native forestry and wildlife. New Zealand has a vast selection of short walks. 

Surprise your valentine with a romantic beach walk or challenge them with a mountain climb. Don't fall behind in heels, wear appropriate attire and keeping hydrated.

Northland

The Mount Manaia Track, a walk for those located within Northland, this is the perfect opportunity with prime access to sacred history and breathtaking views of the Whangarei harbour entrance. 

Know before you go:

• Walking and Tramping: 2hr - 4km return via same track.
• Fitness required: Low to moderate.
• Park in the Mount Manaia Club’s lower car park on Whangarei Heads Road above McLeod Bay. The track begins just above the car park.

Click here for more information

Coromandel 

The Cathedral Cove walk guides fellow coasties along the dramatic cliff and an iconic rock archway in a swift hour and thirty minutes situated in the coromandel coast. 

Know before you go: 

• Walking and Tramping: 1hr 30min - 2.5km.
• Fitness required: Moderate.
• The track begins at a drop-off area at the end of Grange Road or from the northern end of Hahei Beach (and extra 20 minutes each way).

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Otago

Further South, walk the Blue Pool Track if you find yourself in Otago. The Makarora river provides a moment of tranquility with pure glacial water gathered from the mountains. 

Know before you go: 

• Walking and Tramping: 1hr - 3km return via same track.
• Fitness required: suitable for most fitness levels.
• From Wanaka, drive north on the Haast Highway (SH6) to Makarora township. Continue along the highway for about 12 km. The track starts from the Blue Pools car park off SH6, opposite Cameron Flat campsite.

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Canterbury 

Canterbury’s Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Walk is an hour round trip giving you the opportunity to view New Zealand’s longest glacier including a side walk to the blue lakes, offering a good swim and a chance for you to see New Zealand’s smallest bird. 

Know before you go: 

• Walking and Tramping: 1hr - 2.6km return via same track.
• Fitness required: Low to moderate.
• Turn off SH80 onto Tasman Valley Road just before Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Follow this for about 7 km to the car park at the end.

 Click here for more information

 

Kayaking

Paddle your way to a successful date by taking your valentine through the crystal clear waters New Zealand has to offer. Enjoy the thrill of rapid waters or the tranquility of lake Kayaking. The variety of Kayaking experiences New Zealand has to offer starts here.

Northland

Northlanders! Explore the Bay of Islands mangrove forest, Haruru Falls, and Motumaire Island. This kayaking experience caters to all levels and ranges from, two hour to a 7 day trip.

Know before you go: 

• Price: Start from $90.00 - ranges depending on the tour.
• Water is sheltered and calm.
• Beware of Dolphins!   

Click here for more information

Auckland

A quick paddle across Auckland’s harbour will take you to the quaint maritime village of Devonport, where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the volcano’s summit before paddling home again.

Know before you go: 

• Price: Start from $100.00 - ranges depending on the tour.
• Duration: around 45 minutes
• Less than 10 minutes from downtown Auckland you’ll launch from Fergs Kayaks base on the water’s edge at Okahu Bay.

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Taupo

Adventurers between Abel Tasman and Bay of Islands, the Great Lake Taupo provides scenic freshwater lakes, streams and rivers. Spot Maori rock carvings, rich in culture.

Know before you go: 

• Price: Start from $20.00 - ranges depending on the tour.
• Trips range from 2 hours, ½ day, to overnight expeditions.
• The closest you will get to the impressive 14m carving towering above Lake Taupo.

Click here for more information

Nelson

The most popular, Abel Tasman sea kayaking. Stopping by Nelson? Spot New Zealand fur seals at Tonga Island Marine Park, followed by a paddle out to Split Apple Rock or a glide through peaceful lagoons of Bark Bay all in a day.

Know before you go:

• Price: Start from $60.00 - ranges depending on the tour.
• Duration: 1 day.
• Water taxis are available if you wish to paddle one way to Anchorage.

Click here for more information

 

Cycle Trail

Compete for your valentines attention as you cycle through beautiful landscapes and must-see attractions on various tracks throughout New Zealand. 

Rotorua 

If you are situated between Rotorua and the Waikite Valley, the Te Ara Ahi Trail provides a detour through the famous Redwood Forest after visiting geothermal parks with unique natural wonders rich in Maori culture. Due to the off-road sections of the track, mountain bikes are more suitable for this trail. 

Know before you go:

• Easy to intermediate trail: Follow a mix of concrete cycle paths, gravel and tarmac roads as well as off-road mountain bike tracks. 
• Hybrid bikes will suffice for most of this trail.
• Duration: Allow 3 - 4 hours.

Click here for more information & trail map

Hawkes Bay

Hawkes Bay offers world class wineries and wildlife for the more relaxed adventurer. Hawkes Bay is blessed with balmy summers and mild winters, make for great riding at any time of the year. The friendly terrain makes the Hawkes Bay trail suitable for riders of all abilities. 

Know before you go:

• Easy Trail: the Hawke’s Bay Trails are mostly easy, being wide and flat. 
• The friendly terrain of these Trails makes them suitable for everything from children’s bikes and uprights, to tourers, mountain bikes and e-bikes. 
• Duration: Allow 2-5 hours.

Click here for more information & trail map

Otago

The Otago Central Rail Trail follows an old railway line between Clyde and Middlemarch for adventurers in the area. This gives anyone the opportunity to explore historical architecture and abandoned gold diggings. This trail is suitable for all ages and abilities. 

Know before you go: 

• Easy trail: Suitable for riders of all ages and abilities; it’s a terrific choice for family groups, and older or rusty riders. 
• A hybrid or mountain bike is recommended.
• Duration: Allow 3-5 days. 

Click here for more information & trail map

 

Rock Climbing

Climb your way to the perfect date with our range of RockClimbing equipment. New Zealand has a range of climbing options for all levels of climbers. Indoor climbing allows you to learn the ropes and take climbing courses to advance your skills, or race your valentine on speed climbing walls.

Auckland

Indoor Climbing is offered in Auckland at a number of places, including New Zealand's largest indoor climbing centre. 

Know before you go:

• Beginner level to advanced climbing routes available.
• Does not require special climbing equipment.
• What to wear: Comfortable, free-flowing clothing and shoes/trainers.        

Click here for more information                                                                                                                                                     

South Island

Basecamp Adventure offers an Introduction to Climbing Course perfect for beginners learning safe practices and good technique. This course provides a beautiful view in the Matukituki valley, on the doorstep of Mt Aspiring National Park. Basecamp Adventure also has an indoor climbing zone in Queenstown. 

Know before you go: 

• Introduction to climbing includes: Rock climbing instruction, equipment fitting and use.
• 40+ Climbs spread over 15 ropes.
• Indoor climbing prices: $25 day pass.

Click here for more information