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If you are scratching your head about how to impress a special someone on February 14, then read on. In this ‘keep it local’ age we are living through, the team at Mahurangi Matters has come up with a few Valentine’s Day ideas that promise not to break the bank.
Summer loving
Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, which means it is the perfect opportunity to grab your favourite pair of togs, lather on the sunblock and spend the day exploring the Goat Island Marine Reserve. Established in 1975, the reserve expands over five kilometres of shoreline, extends 800m offshore and is home to hundreds of different species of marine life.
Slip on your snorkel or jump on board a Glass Bottom Boat tour and spend the day discovering the marine life below. Afterwards, settle into the sand and watch the sun go down while you enjoy a homemade picnic.
Cheesy pickup
For a romantic adventure, pack a picnic basket and a take a drive down to Puhoi. Pick up a few artisan cheeses at the Puhoi Valley Cheese store, and anything else from the Puhoi General Store.
Drive five minutes north, up SH1, and take Mahurangi West Road through to Sullivans Bay in the Mahurangi Regional Park. At the northern end of the park there is a trail that leads to Mita Bay. It’s a wonderfully secluded place only accessible by foot.
At the top end, there is a particularly quiet spot by the water enclosed by bush to lay down on a blanket and enjoy a romantic afternoon.
Wander and wonder
A leisurely wander through the ornate sculpture gardens and art galleries on Omaha Flats Road is a great way to find out if you share a similar outlook on life with a date.
With hundreds of diverse artworks ranging from local and quirky to world class quality, there is always plenty to see and it’s guaranteed to stimulate lively conversation.
As well as the tour, there is a chance to woo over fine wine and good food at Rothko Restaurant and Freddie’s Lawn Bar, though check opening hours before going, as neither venue is open every day.
Be inspired
There are limited opportunities to visit the internationally-acclaimed sculpture park known as Gibbs Farm, on the Kaipara Coast Highway, so securing a ticket for such an event would be something of a romantic coup.
The Albertland Museum has permission to host a public open day at the park on March 26. The walking tour takes three to four hours, and you will get to see artworks by some of the world’s most significant artists, framed by the Kaipara Harbour.
Although the tour isn’t on Valentine’s Day, handing over the tickets on February 14 would be a winner. Info: albertlandmuseum.co.nz
Discover Warkworth
Warkworth is home to some great restaurants that are conveniently located within walking distance of each other. This Valentine’s Day, you can taste them all by taking your Valentine on a progressive dinner through town.
There are many ways you could approach this, so here is an example to get you started: Start the night with drinks at The Tahi Bar, followed by entrees and special Valentine’s cocktails at Wharf Street Bistro, then onto main course at the Warkworth Hotel.
Finally, take a stroll along the riverfront towards the Bridgehouse to finish the night in the best way possible, with dessert. Bookings essential.
Island time
It is only half-an-hour away by boat, but Kawau Island can sometimes feel like it is in another time zone. If you are looking for a romantic day out, then the daily Royal Mail Run could fit the bill.
The ferry leaves Sandspit Wharf at 10.30am and then makes a two-hour run delivering freight and mail to island residents.
There is an on-board commentary and a good chance of spotting penguins, gannets and dolphins. Passengers can pre-order an onboard BBQ lunch or disembark at Mansion House for a BYO picnic. Return ferries leave at 2pm and 4.30pm.
Outdoor heaven
Pack a picnic and head along the Tawharanui Peninsula to one of the region’s most stunningly beautiful spots, which also happens to be an important native wildlife sanctuary.
Once through the electric gates that keep predatory pests at bay, there are 558 hectares of coastline, wetland, native bush and farmland to explore. Swim, surf or simply laze on the endless white sand beaches, where there are always secluded spots to be found.
Or take to the hills with a trek along the Ecology Trail, with sightings of rare native birds, indigenous bushland and incredible views from rolling hilltop pastures.
High school classic
If romancing a new potential partner this Valentine’s Day, local light activities can be useful for breaking the ice. Mini golf at The Range, on SH1 just south of Warkworth, is a tried and true activity that fills in the gaps in conversation while the date warms up.
Add some excitement by trying your hand at their semi-automatic gas-powered pellet guns. Next, head over to Matakana, the romance capital of the district, for Charlies Gelato.
There’s a quiet wharf at the end of Green Road to sit at and enjoy. Finish the date off with a cocktail at the Vintry Bar and a movie at the Matakana Cinemas.
