Unusual Date Ideas In Auckland New Zealand

Do you like your dates scary, sweet or sporty? If you’re looking for novelty first date ideas – or you and your significant other are planning a romantic night out – you can count on Auckland to offer some unusual activities for two. Whether you want to be scared out of your wits at Spookers or go sunset paddleboarding at Mission Bay, New Zealand’s famous city has some quirky dates on offer for a memorable experience.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Spend an Afternoon at Spookers

Lovers, beware: this is not a date for the faint-hearted. Spookers is New Zealand’s most terrifying theme park and immersive scare experience. In the grounds of the former Kingseat Hospital (one of the country’s creepiest buildings) you’ll venture through theatrical haunted houses and outdoor themed spaces where you’ll have to flee from the most fearsome of creatures: zombies with bloodied mouths and murderers with chainsaws. Needless to say you’ll be screaming your head off and clinging to your date by the end.

Cakes n Ladders is a good place to chill out with a cup of coffee, a gooey chocolate brownie and an ever-increasing library of board games – we’re talking hundreds. Whether you’re more of a Scrabble person, a Cards Against Humanity fiend, or a fully-fledged role-play geek, there’s always something interesting to look forward to at this gaming cafe. While away the hours with your special someone, or (if you prefer) you can purchase a game onsite and continue the fun at home.

Try Standup Paddleboarding at Mission Bay

Whether you’re a seasoned or novice paddler, Auckland’s ever-popular Mission Bay is the ideal place for a summer’s standup paddleboarding (SUP) session. There are rentals and lessons for all abilities – and if you feel like you need a quick refresher you can get a complimentary lesson with any paddleboard hire of an hour or more. Head down to the beach at sunset for the ultimate romantic date night.

Snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve

If you’re looking for a great day trip date idea, Goat Island is a fun option. Just over an hour’s drive north of Auckland City, in Leigh, this is one of the best places to get close to some aquatic critters. Hire your snorkel and a wetsuit for a self-guided dive, or go for an all-inclusive tour of the marine reserve. If you’re headed here at the weekend, the Matakana Village Market has plenty of snacks to sample along the way.

Spend The Evening Laughing at The Classic

The Classic on Queen Street has been the home of Auckland’s comedy scene for 20 years. The events calendar here is always full to the brim with a variety of local and international talent, featuring up-and-coming comedy stars and seasoned veterans. Come to The Classic on Mondays to experience the open mic night, and Fridays and Saturdays for some great late-night laughs. You’ll be guaranteed a few chortles, whatever your date is like.

Test Your Ice-Skating Skills at Paradice

The indoor Paradice ice-skating rinks are an epic attraction for all seasons. Skating sessions are accompanied by colourful lighting and banging tunes, and the flagship rink in Botany even has its own Laser Tag room – another fun activity to try after you spend a few hours gliding hand-in-hand on the magical ice.

Mountain Bike Around Woodhill Forest

Adrenaline-junkie couples are definitely going to enjoy a date on the Woodhill Forest tracks. This mountain biking park is the only multi-purpose cycling network of its kind in Auckland, and has some stunning scenery to boot. It’s only a 35-minute drive from the city centre and offers bike hire options for all abilities. It even has its own Disc Golf course if you fancy something a bit less risky.

Play With Some Kitties at a Cat Cafe

Auckland has no shortage of quirky eateries but the cat-themed ones are definitely the cutest. Purrs & Beans on Queen Street is the longest-running and best option. Book in advance so that you and your kindred cat lover can spend some quality time playing and cuddling your new friends. You can grab a coffee and a bite to eat before or after your playdate – and if you’re totally enamoured and ready to take the next step in your relationship, you can even look into adopting one of the furry pet rescues.

Pick Some Sweet Red Strawberries

A seasonal option if you happen to be in town between Boxing Day (26th December) and Auckland Anniversary (30th January) is strawberry picking. Sweet Red is 35 minutes by car northwest of Auckland, and is known for producing the sweetest, juiciest strawberries. The farm has been owned and operated by the Marinovic family since 1974 and offers plenty of treats for a day trip including pick-your-own outings and a farm shop that’s famous for its milkshakes and ice creams.

Have a Picnic at Wenderholm Regional Park

Auckland has an array of parks and gardens to explore, many of which are ideal for a picnic. Wenderholm Regional Park is the most scenic option at your disposal. At the mouth of the picturesque Puhoi River, 45km (28mi) from Auckland, you can easily catch a bus from town to get here. A quiet forested wonderland with an interesting coastline to match makes this a fantastic place to unwind and relish the outdoors with your favourite friend.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.