A Guide to Valentine’s Day for Lovers (and Haters)

Not all of us have the charm of Don Juan, the creativity of Casanova, nor the expertise of Karma Sutra. Luckily, for those of us less fortunate or lacking in imagination, Concrete Playground has come up with some winning ideas to make your Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Not to worry if you’re strapped for cash—from six figures to piggy bank raiders, our top ten picks for the big day have got every budget covered.

$$$ Stargazing

A gift that beats all others, Stardome is offering you the chance to give your lover a star in celebration of the most romantic day of the year. Tickets include a romantic planetarium show and a gift box with a bottle of bubbles, two champagne flutes, chocolate hearts and a voucher to adopt your very own star.

$$ Old School Romance

Nothing like a bit of Shakespeare to set the mood for a romantic evening and Passionate Acts is where it's at. New theatre company Shakeitup! have gone to the trouble of picking out all the most romantic (and sexy) bits from all of Shakespeare’s plays and putting them together in one neat little package. You can also get yourself a picnic hamper to enjoy along with the show set in the stunning grounds of the historic Pah Homestead.

$$ Break the Ice

Nothing like a bit of humour to break the ice. The Classic has got your comedy needs covered. Catch the Weekend Comedy Showcase or Late & Live, the even less PC option. Grab your self a bite at Tanukis or warm up at the bar with a few bevvies and get ready to laugh your ass off.

$ Go for a Picnic

Nature is always romantic and whether it's Mt Eden, One Tree Hill, the Rose Gardens, or Mission Bay, the classic picnic dinner is a winner. Bask in the dying rays of the sun, cuddle up under a blanket and fend off mosquitos while you make out under the moon. You could really outdo yourself and take your loved one for a sunset stroll at the Botanic Gardens. The 2km sculpture trail is a great way to work up an appetite and entry is free.

$ Stroll Around at the Lantern Festival

What could be more romantic than a walk in the park with hundreds of glowing lanterns? Granted it won't be quite as spectacular as in the movies, but it might be just as magical. The Lantern Festival is fun and free and there’s plenty of cheap tasty food on offer. Plus, if your date's a dud there's plenty of distraction and you could totally 'lose' someone in those crowds.

$ High Tea

For something a little more special than a caramel latte from Starbucks, try the Valentines Day High Tea at Café Burlesque. There’s something novel about eating miniature versions of things. Plus, it’s a totally legitimate excuse to play with your food. Pie Face also has something for your sweetie pie— 3 sensational new flavours: raspberry and white chocolate, mango, and butterscotch.

Email [email protected] with the subject line: SWEET and we may just send you some vouchers to Pie Face.

$$$ Pop-Up Dinner

For one night only, Chef Kevin Blakeman and Takapuna's Como St Café team up to bring you an exclusive gourmet pop-up dining experience. A five course set menu with wine match. Done.

$ The cultured date

One for the (art) lovers, galleries offer a sophisticated date destination and if you time it right you might even score yourself a glass of wine. This weekend the Auckland Art Gallery will be open until 10pm for Lantern Festival Late Nights. In close proximity to a wealth of bars and restaurants, the gallery offers quiet intimacy for a pr- or post-dinner gander. Add a photography exhibition on Chinese Punk culture to the mix, and you can’t go wrong.

$ The Princess Bride

A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing; The Princess Bride is truly a film for lovers. Silo Cinema proudly presents a special Valentine's Day screening of this cult classic. Treat your Valentine to a glass of bubbles from the Silo Park Bar, snuggle up in the beanbags and get ready for a romantic night under the stars.

$$$$ Splore

With the official Splore theme for 2014 being ‘Love’, what better way to spend Valentine’s Day than partying at Splore? Frolick in the ocean, get up close and personal on the dance floor and if you’re feeling that way inclined, you can even tie the knot on the spot.

$$  Anti-Valentines

It's not all about 'significant others'. There's plenty of fun to be had (if not more) for the singles. Spread the love and get yourself along to one (or more) of the singles events around town, cos you sure won't meet anyone sitting in front of the TV. If you're broken-hearted and feeling vengeful, the Anti-Valentines Day Party at Sky City's Twentyone is the one for you. Take it all out on the heart-shaped piñata and take along a picture of your ex to feed through the ceremonial shredder.