Best romantic activities in the city centre

It's important to make time for you and your special someone to spend quality time together, and our city centre is the perfect place to plan a romantic outing. Whether it be an intimate dinner, learning a new skill together, seeing a show or simply taking a stroll along the waterfront, the time spent together in the heart of the city will create special memories for you to cherish throughout the years. 

Have a laugh | The Classic Comedy & Bar

Laugh the night away with some of New Zealand’s top comedians five nights every week at The Classic Comedy & Bar. The Classic seats 120 people in an intimate cabaret style setting with dim lighting creating romantic vibes, with a licensed bar offering a selection of beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. It's a feel-good way to start or end a romantic evening in the city centre. 

Sip creative cocktails | XuXu, Caretaker, Ghost Donkey

An intimate night of fragrant cocktails in a cosy bar is a great way to unwind and spend some time with your special someone. Head to XuXu Dumpling Bar for exceptional cocktails and an extensive dumpling menu. XuXu’s elegant décor brings about a feeling of old-world romance with the rich peacock-design drapes, stained glass lampshades, bamboo patterned wallpaper and an intricate turquoise and white mosaic. 

Step down in to the dimly lit and ever-so charming Caretaker, an underground gem focusing on classic cocktails made specifically to your tastes. The skilled bartenders will ask you a few questions to determine what you’re in the mood for and will mix up a custom cocktail based off of your specific preferences. 

A new tequila bar, Ghost Donkey will also make for an unforgettable date night. Walk in and be dazzled by the red fairy lights that are strung up to cover the entire ceiling, you’ll feel like you have just walked into a fairytale dream! Ghost Donkey specialise in mezcal and tequila based drinks, each one inventive and delicious. We recommend trying out one of their signature paletitas which see a popsicle of house-made sorbet sitting in a cocktail made from Mexican-inspired flavours + bubbles. 

Book an intimate table for two

Treat yourselves to an evening of fine dining at the O’Connell Street Bistro. This modern European bistro has won multiple awards for their high-class food and wine, winning 1 Hat in the Cuisine Good Food Awards in 2019 as well as being awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past 17 years. With an intimate dining room of just 12 tables, be sure to expect impeccable service. Our choice for a romantic dinner would be opting for the ever-changing tasting menu where you’ll be treated to 6 gourmet dishes and matching wines. 

The Grove is another perfect location for a romantic date night. The Grove is known for their outstanding specialised dégustation dining. With a brand new chef already getting rave reviews, the menu frequently changes with the seasonal availability of ingredients so you can always expect the freshest and highest quality meals. Choose either four, five, or seven courses for your dégustation and expect dishes featuring New Zealand raised beef, lamb and seafood all paired perfectly with seasonal local produce.

Relax with a couples massage | East Day Spa 

Take a moment for yourselves to recharge and ease any stress from the week just been with an indulgent couples massage at one of New Zealand's largest premier luxury day spa, East Day Spa, set on the ground floor of The Grand by SkyCity hotel. Or if you're after something a little bit more special, make the most of SkyCity's spa and stay packages which offer a night's stay in either SkyCity Hotel or The Grand by SkyCity plus two treatment at East Day Spa and other goodies. Choose from their Stay Well, Sleep Well package, their Temple of Healing package or their Immune Booster package - see all the details here.