Five Valentine's Day Ideas That Aren't a Set Menu Dinner

Kiss the cliche Valentine's Day set menu goodbye and spend this year's romance day listening to infectious dance pop, throwing axes or watching a swashbuckling rom-com. The best part is that all of these events are accepting of couples, whānau, friends and solo lovers.

ESCAPE THE SENTIMENTAL CHEESE AT MOTAT

Western Springs' beloved museum of transportation and technology hasn't caught the love bug this year. On Friday, February 14, MOTAT is inviting Aucklanders to "escape the cheese and sentimental $#@%" for an anti-Valentine's night full of light-hearted fun and entertainment. Visitors are invited to explore the museum grounds which will be scattered with food stands, bars, activations and a main stage performance area. A variety of entertainment, activities, and general shenanigans will feature, from silent discos and karaoke to archery, jousting and love police.

LISTEN TO DANCE POP AT NECK OF THE WOODS

Los Angeles-based performer Chelsea Jade is returning to Auckland for a one-off show. As part of a three-date New Zealand tour, Jade will deliver her unique brand of relatable and captivating dance pop at K' Road's Neck Of The Woods. Expect to hear bangers off her debut album Personal Best, including 'Low Brow', 'Life of the Party' and 'Laugh it Off'. And with an early start time of 7.30pm, you'll be wrapped up back at home at a reasonable hour.

WANDER AROUND AUCKLAND ZOO AT NIGHT

For the second year, Auckland Zoo is encouraging night owls to come out of the woodwork. From 4pm until 8pm, visitors will be welcome to wander the grounds of the Western Springs animal sanctuary in the evening light, and see what the zoo's 135 species get up to after dark. There will be free keeper talks scheduled throughout the night — discover more about the Galàpagos tortoise, the white rhinoceros or Tasmanian devil. Visitors will also have the opportunity to lock down a romantic Valentine's Day dinner for two at the recently refurbished Old Elephant House. Guests will be treated to three courses from chef Sean Tovia.

THROW AN AXE AND EAT PIZZA

This Valentine's Day the axe-perts at Sweet Axe Throwing are opening their doors to teams of two for a lovely evening of blade flinging. Sweet Axe will teach you everything you need to know about the art of axe throwing before kickstarting a round-robin tournament where partners play off against other in teams of two. The $60 per person ticket price includes two hours of axe throwing, pizza for two and non-alcoholic beverages.

SEE A FILM ON THE WATERFRONT

The folks at Silo Park have added a special Friday night screening to their regular schedule of outdoor events. Classic rom-com fairy tale The Princess Bride will screen on the side of the silos this V Day. In addition to the swashbuckling adventure, the waterfront community space will be swarming with food trucks and the Silo Bar will be serving love potions from 5pm. For a dog-friendly cinema option, take your pooch to American Express Openair Cinemas and catch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days on the big screen.