Overview
It's just about that time of the year again, Valentine's Day, which lovers throughout the world take the opportunity to celebrate, proclaim or perhaps broadcast their love for one another. That proclamation can take many forms — a soppy Instagram post seems very in vogue — but one way you really can't go wrong is with a classic bunch of blooms.
For this Valentine's Day to make sure you're not left out in the cold, we've compiled a list of our favourite florists in and around Auckland. And hey — no partner? No worries. Just buy a bunch for yourself if you're so inclined.
SCARECROW
This Valentine's Day if you are looking for a local florist with an edge, Scarecrow is probably your style. The florist, kitchen and grocer not only has beautiful blooms for that special someone, but also offers gifts and hampers, alongside as a cafe so you can fuel up on some caffeine while waiting for your bunch. Our pick would be the 'Rambling Rose' bouquet, but you can find everything from posies, bunches and bouquets — whatever best suits your budget.
33 Victoria St East, Auckland Central
FLORAL CENTRIC
You've probably seen dried blooms from the talented Floral Centric team somewhere around the city. They've garnered a name for themselves around town for their giant dried installations, often spotted in department stores or at major events. Still, they know how to whip up a small but perfectly formed bunch for that special someone. Grab one of their dried bouquets for a beautiful gift that will last the distance, instead of needing to be thrown out after a couple of days.
2/19 Khyber Pass Road, Eden Terrace
FLOWERS OF ST JOHNS
Tucked away in the ever trendy suburb of Remuera you'll find Flowers of St Johns. Owner Kerry McCullough comes from an extensive background having worked in New York for a number of years providing flowers for corporate occasions, events and meetings. The shop specialises in wedding bouquets, get-wells and sympathy flowers as well as traditional hand-tied assortments, but has Valentine's options galore. If you do pay a visit to the shop you can expect to bump into Kerry's little West Highland white terrier 'Daphne'.
571 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
THE FLOWER PROJECT
Starting out as a small wedding supplier in a 'garage studio', The Flower Project now shares botanicals at flower stands all over Auckland and within three Farro stores. Founder Kathryn Fleming runs a 'blooms by subscription' service, offering one-off, weekly, fortnightly or monthly, fresh flowers delivered directly to your door. All flowers are bought fresh from the market on the same day as delivery.
34 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn
EASTRIDGE FLOWERS
As New Zealand's largest retail florist, these guys are serious about good looking flowers. Operating for just under 15 years, Eastridge Flowers are committed to buying the freshest of flowers, bringing in new blossoms four days out of a week. For Valentine's Day, the team have put together an enticing selection of bouquets of red roses to stunning bunches with popping colours. Find them inside the Eastridge shopping mall for that last-minute flower seeking mission.
215 Kepa Road, Mission Bay, Auckland
Top image: Roman Kraft