As Valentine’s Day is approaching fast, I’ve begun to see SO many events on social media popping up advertising extravagant evenings at absolutely ridiculous prices. It’s as if the world forgot we’re not all on six figure salaries, go figure.
I decided to do research to see if there are well priced Valentine’s Day events that are fun and romantic. Trust me, this was NOT an easy challenge, capitalism is alive and well in New Zealand, but I’ve managed to find a handful that look cute, cheap, and are sure to impress!
Note: These are not exclusive to couples, who needs social norms? Take out your friends, your mum, literally anyone, and have a great Valentine’s Day.
Auckland
1. Joylab – Bottomless Bubbles
Firstly, if you haven’t signed up to Joylab you’re missing out, they’re a loyalty company that offer $1 back on every $10 you spend at 20 different restaurants around Auckland! They also offer amazing weekly deals at their establishments, including one for this Valentine’s Day.
What: Pop into one of Joylab’s 18 eligible restaurants such as the famous Lula Inn or the popular Zookeeper’s Son and order any main meal valued at $20 or more to nab a 90 minute long bottomless bubbles session for just $25! That’s one way to kick off a fun night while keeping it cutesy. Bookings recommended!
Where: Grab this deal at 18 restaurants across Auckland!
When: Available all day.
Cost: $25 for bottomless bubbles on top of your meal (value of at least $20).
2. The Culpeper – $2 Oysters and $5 Drinks
What: This Valentine’s Day the early bird catches the, uh, oyster? Pop into The Culpeper located on the picturesque Princes Wharf between 4pm-7pm to get some aphrodisiacs in you with $2 oysters, $5 wines, and $5 beers on the menu! If you’re feeling a little fancy, they’re also offering a special Valentine’s themed Te Amo cocktail all day long for just $12.
Where: 143-147 Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD, Auckland.
When: Oysters and drinks specials between 4pm-7pm, ‘Te Amo’ cocktail is available all day.
Cost: Oysters for $2, glasses of wine for $5, beers for $5, and ‘Te Amo’ cocktails for just $12.
3. The Brigham – 3 Course Meal with Wine Pairings
Okay, so I had to include something a little fancy on this list, but don’t worry the price point is just as tasty as the food.
What: Treat your special someone by visiting The Brigham for dinner, where they have a special 3 course meal with wine pairings optional (now that’s a fun time.) Choose between king prawns or tortellini for the entree, beef wellington, chicken breast, or lamb rack for the main, and then finish off with a decedent dessert platter to share. Now, the price for the food alone is average, costing $110 per couple, which is still better than a lot of places, but for just an extra $35, totaling $145 for a couple, you each get a glass a wine with every course, now that’s a deal.
Where: 164 Brigham Creek Road, Whenuapai, West Auckland.
When: Anytime from 5pm till closing.
Cost: $110 for a 3 course meal for two, or $145 for the meals with wine pairings for each course.
4. Silo Park – The Princess Bride Screening
What: They say the best things in life are free, and Silo Park definitely walks the walk with an absolutely free screening of The Princess Bride starting at 9pm!Better yet, with all the money you’ve saved on not paying for an expensive dinner, you can pop down anytime from 5pm to grab some food and drinks from the stalls, all while enjoying the DJ and hopefully hot summer sun.
Where: Corner Beaumont Street and Jellicoe, Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland.
When: Entertainment at 5pm, movie starts at 9pm.
Cost: FREE (food will cost of course.)
5. Mad Mex – Buy One Burrito Get One Free
Do you know what’s better than one burrito? Two burritos…
What: This deal takes a little bit of effort to receive, but nabbing a 2-4-1 burritos is definitely worth it. First click here, this will bring you to the Mad Mex Valentine’s Day Facebook post, where if you comment ‘Love’ you will be privately messaged by a chat bot about sending an e-card to your Valentine. Simply fill out the details it asks for, and at the end it will send the e-card to your specified email address, which in turn will have a 2-4-1 burrito or naked burrito voucher attached! Now all you’ve got to do is take the voucher into the store on Valentine’s Day, and bam, you’ve got two burritos for the price of one!
Where: All Mad Mex locations, excluding the airport.
When: All day.
Cost: $13.50-14.
6. MOTAT – Anti-Valentine’s Day
What: I couldn’t forget those who aren’t particularly into romance, whether single or in a relationship, MOTAT has you covered for some uncomplicated, relaxing fun. Starting from 7pm and for just $25 ($20 if you’re a student!) you can expect a wide range of entertainment, such as karaoke, silent disco, archery (yes really), painting, and so much more, you’re guaranteed a great time at a small price. On top of this food trucks and bars will be scattered around to stop you from spending a fortune on dinner.
Where: 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland.
When: From 5pm till closing.
Cost: $25 for adults, $20 for students.
The Rest Of New Zealand
(I didn’t forget you)
7. Christchurch Catnap Cafe – The Notebook Screening
What: If you’re based in Christchurch you HAVE to go to this event on behalf of me. This Valentine’s Catnap Cafe is hosting a screening of The Notebook, with treats, popcorn, and cats galore (sounds perfect right?) For just $25 you get your movie ticket, a small popcorn, treats, and you get to cuddle the cute cats, the absolute dream.
Book here!
Where: 391 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
When: Movie starts at 7pm.
Cost: Tickets are $25, includes entry to cafe, movie ticket, small popcorn, and treats.
8. Christchurch Friday Street Food Market
What: You definitely can’t go wrong with food. No matter the situation, whether single, married, or you hate people, food from a market can make your day. Luckily the popular Friday Street Food Market falls on Valentine’s Day this year, so there’ll be over 16 different stalls serving up delicious, well priced food from 11am till 8pm, perfect for a lunch or dinner date!
Where: Cathedral Square, Christchurch.
When: 11am-8pm.
Cost: FREE (the food costs though.)
9. Wellington Zoo – Valentine’s Night at the Zoo
What: For those in Wellington wanting to mix it up this Valentine’s Day, the Zoo out of all places has you covered. This Valentine’s they’re keeping the doors open late for those 18 years and over, with live music, food, an outdoor bar, and special love-themed animal talks throughout the night. The event runs from 5pm-8.30pm and tickets are just $27 each, or if you’re want to be extra cutesy you can grab a couples platter with entry tickets for $99 all up!
Book here for a couples ticket!
Where: 200 Daniell St, Newtown, Wellington.
When: From 5pm till 8.30pm.
Cost: $99 per couple with a food platter to share, $27 for standard adult tickets.
10. Roxy Cinema Wellington – Bonnie & Clyde Screening
What: For those who love an absolute classic of a movie, Roxy is hosting aspecial Valentine’s Day screening of the infamous 1967 Bonnie & Clyde!Nothing screams romance more than a crime spree with the one you love. This one is perfect for those who don’t have a spare couple hundred dollars, but still want a romantic night out as tickets are just $15 per person.
Where: 5 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington.
When: Screening at 6.15pm.
Cost: All tickets are $15.
Good luck with your romances this Friday! Want more amazing discounts & freebies? Keep up to date on my Instagram: @aucklandcouponguru.