Overview
Tinder. It’s the great leveller for us all, removing the faux pas of internet dating and thrusting it firmly into the public consciousness – making it a common occurrence to meet and interact with total strangers on the basis you’re both aiming to bang (or at least skipping the initial introduction and going right to the first date stage).
Is your name Katniss Everdeen? Because there’s an uprising in my district.
God knows the first meetings can be awkward… will they look like the photos? Have they run out of banter already? Will I end up in a suitcase tonight? Is this going to be a total burn of an hour or will I maybe find someone else to join me in my pants?
My laundry isn't the only load I plan on giving you.
All these questions and more are for you to discover and god knows you’ll have some weird times, but something we can assist with is location. It’s the key to a good tinder date, creating a fun atmosphere mixed with a dash of experience, so worst case scenario you’ll at least have a nice time out rather than a wine in a shitty pub. While no person is the same, your approach to Tinder and life probably falls into a few categories. To assist with both we’ve prepared a list of the ten best locations by Tinder-approach, assuming of course your favourite tinder date destination isn’t ‘my bedroom’.
Entertaining: Ponsonby Central
Ah, you’re the entertaining outgoing sort that likes a bit of current trend-ness with your tinder dates, also a bit risky, as you might see your previous conquests or mistakes floating around in Ponsonby. The vibe, newness and amazing range of popular eateries make Ponsonby Central an easy choice – from Burger Burger to Chop Chop to Blue Breeze Inn and much, much more. Issues can include a lack of seating due to popularity, but the flipside is your securing of a table at a prime spot in this well-regarded destination makes you all the more desirable.
Keep the date going at: Bedford Soda and Liquor
Classic: Elliot Stables
You’re wanting to treat them to a nice bite to eat, somewhere casual yet with a bit of class… naturally you pick Elliot Street Stables. With an amazing mixture of bars and eateries, plus some excellent dessert options, you’re spoilt for choice and guaranteed to find something your date will enjoy. Boredom is hard to encounter in this upbeat atmosphere and the hustle and bustle makes for a good night out. The added bonus of the nearby activities makes Elliot Stables a winning choice.
Keep the date going at: Moustache
Smooth: 1885/BCC/Better Burger
This Tinder meet-up thing is a regular occurrence for you – hell you probably even group your right-swipes into categories for convenience. You’re wanting somewhere easy, fun and social, where a casual drink and a bite to eat goes down well, and escape to better social engagements is straightforward should the need arise. Luckily this complex has it all and is widely popular, showcasing your smooth operator status in style (at least in the Tinder scene).
Keep the date going at: Milse
Adventurous: Kayak to Rangitoto Island
From time to time you may encounter a Tinder match whose profile shows them mounting Machu Picchu, mountain biking and extreme sporting in general – you’re needing to charge out of the gate on this one and set the bar high, mark yourself as a person of adventure. No low-carb beers at a Britomart bar will cut the mustard here; instead we suggest aquatic action at Ferg’s Kayaks, with a round trip to Devonport at under 3 hours, Rangitoto in 5 or a bayside cruise along the beaches in an hour or two. Either way it’ll get the endorphins flowing, the blood pumping and ensure a Tinder tale to regale friends with.
Keep the date going at: Joshua’s Ice Cream
Charming: Hotel DeBrett
With a fine-dining restaurant, a cocktail lounge and traditionally well-appointed house bar, the inner-city Hotel DeBrett is both classy and relaxed – a step up from your usual Tinder watering hole meet-up, yet easy-going enough to keep expectations and perceptions in check. Their exceptional cocktail and dessert menu combined with loungers and fire-side couches make a perfect spot to chit chat and while the night away, and if your life should take a turn for Hollywood style trysts… at least you’ve come to the right place.
Keep the date going at: The Kapiti Store
Cultured: Q Theatre
I like you already, by the sounds of it you’re the sophisticated sort… more than just a drink-and-chat Tinderer, you’ll be looking for a more expansive night out including a show, play or other cultural experience – something you can bond over – and reduce the need for conversation should you run out of stories about your trip to New York. Equipped with numerous stages there’s often a mixture of events on offer at Q, while the on-site bar and eatery ain’t half bad. Q Theatre might not be your immediate first choice for a virgin encounter, but you’ll certainly set yourself apart from the pack (and ideally see a show you’ve been looking forward to – win-win).
Keep the date going at: Toro Churro on Queen Street
Risqué: Night Safari at Auckland Zoo
Determined to leave an impression? You’re known for big risks and audacious attempts to connect with people, demanding time from your Tinder unknowns and providing uncertainty in return – here’s hoping you aren’t a total creep. That’s where a night-time safari at the zoo comes in… unique, engaging and entertaining. Will it work? God only knows, but at least you can rest assured you gave it your best shot and tried to connect through the cuteness of animals, and your date might even get to spend the evening sleeping in the Elephant House.
Keep the date going at: The Elephant House, heyo.
Down to earth: Night Markets
With a crowded selection of cheap eats and exciting sights, smells and entertainment there is no way of understating the fun and casualness of a trip to any of Auckland’s night markets (they’re everywhere – Onehunga, Silo Park, Papatoetoe, Henderson, Pakuranga and Glenfield). It’s low-key yet interesting and keeps discussion flowing as you cruise the stalls to pick the choicest snacks – while the prices mean it’s an affordable night out should Tinder dates be a more than weekly occurrence.
Keep the date going at: Your place
Outdoors: Long walks Along the Beach
If the outdoors are your forte but your date isn’t feeling some strenuous action (yet) why not over deliver on cliché and consider a long walk along the beach? A risky endeavour that will require your best banter and jokes, you’ll either win big or fail miserably… but it will probably be well received as a change of pace – particularly when topped off in style. Thus we suggest Takapuna Beach or Kohi Beach which both feature fantastic eateries and dessert options to show your date you have fine taste in addition to a classical romantic streak and an ironic love of cliché.
Keep the date going at: Takapuna Beach Café, or Café on Kohi
Big Spender: Waiheke
You’re daring, and with a few dollars rolling around or a gold card just begging to be used in all the wrong places, plus you’ve swiped right on a model or a promo person you just have to win over. This will require investment and nothing less than perfection to achieve success – but the rewards are well worth it… this could be your next ex-wife. Your choice of vineyards (i.e. Cable Bay or Mudbrick), a stroll through the Oneroa or a visit to any of the activities on this island paradise are all guaranteed to result in a large bill and near inevitable success.
Keep the date going at: Your boat or mansion by the sounds of it, nice work.