Start the night at Cornerbar | Cnr Shortland St & High St

When it comes to date night, there is an amazing selection of spots around the heart of the city, and one that definitely makes the cut is Cornerbar. With its mood lighting and inner-city buzz thanks to its corner location on High Street, not to mention its great selection of craft beers and wines, this little joint is a great place for a quick bite and pre drink to start the night on the right note. 

Enjoy a few games at the GameOn Arcade | 291-297 Queen Street

Bring out your inner child and head to GameOn Arcade for a date night activity sure to bring fun and laughter. Whether you are a master at shooting hoops, racing, or winning a prize with the claw machine, there will certainly be a game up your alley.  Loser buys a round of drinks after!

Chow down on cocktails and dumplings at XuXu Dumpling Bar | Galway St & Commerce St

Combining two incredible things, cocktails and dumplings, XuXu dumpling bar is an intimate dining spot that’s hard to fault with a unique energy that’s the perfect balance between buzzing and  intimate.  Share a basket of fresh and hot dumplings while sipping on expertly made cocktails. We like the sound of the Rosemary Margarita and the Harajuku Dreaming, along with pork and chive wonton with chilli oil. An added tip: leave room for the banoffee or chocolate dessert dumplings - you really can’t get better than them! 

Grab dinner at 1947 Eatery | 60 Federal St

1947 Eatery serves incredible Indian food, elevated, experimental, and huge bursts of flavour. It’s an amazing date spot as you will both be wowed by the care that goes into every element of the dining experience. The menu is carefully curated, with every dish standing out on their own. All the tandoor items are cooked fresh in a coal tandoor, with favourites  like the Malai Chicken, and the Deccan Prawns.  The cocktail list is given the same care and attention, as well as the wine and beer menu. 1947 will take you on an unforgettable journey, creating lasting memories.

Grab dessert at The Gateau House | 332  Queen St

If you are craving a sweet treat in the heart of the city, look no further than The Gateau House. Behind The Gateau House is a team of skilled and passionate bakers who work tirelessly to create delicious sweets. It’s all about using the finest quality ingredients, from fresh cream to artisan chocolates. If macarons are your thing, or maybe you prefer a classic baked cheesecake, The Gateau House has an amazing selection to choose from.

Go for a walk along the water from and grab some ice cream from Little Lato | 22 Jellicoe St

When spring rolls around, the days get longer and warmer, meaning a stroll along the waterfront is a great idea for a cost-efficient, outdoor date. To make it even better, order a gelato from Little Lato located inside The Auckland Fish Markets. Voted the best icecream in NZ in 2021, the flavours are out of this world with options to suit vegan and gluten free dietary requirements too. Award-winning flavours include vegan Banoffee, Salted Butterscotch, and Mango Lassi.

Go other worldly with a visit to Weta Workshop Unleashed | Level 5/88 Federal St

There’s a lot to be proud of when you are a Kiwi, and one of those things is our amazing film industry and within that, the geniuses behind special effects company Weta Workshop. On Federal Street, Weta Workshop is part film set, part creative workshop. You are invited to experience Weta Workshop’s fantastical creative process, drawing on the genres of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. The 90-minute guided tour is not to be missed, check it out for yourself!

Auckland Art Gallery 

Visit the Auckland Art Gallery on a Friday night | Wellesley St E

Though you may have visited the Auckland Art Gallery in the past, have you ever visited the gallery at night? Usually closing at 5pm, on Friday nights the Auckland Art Gallery is open until 9pm, creating the perfect opportunity to firstly enjoy happy hour at the cafe, and then enter the gallery and take a look at all the amazing exhibitions. There’s also a fun (and free) drop-in drawing activity as part of their Friday Lates programme. Drop in any time, and all materials are provided.