Beaches are a go-to romantic spot, their beauty and openness tantalising lovers around the world. Piha, on the other hand, reveals itself as the beach-made-for-singles. It’s busy come weekends, to the point where you’d be lucky to find a private nook at South. The sun shines so bright that couples-selfies are a no go. You’ll always get sand in your packed sandwich, no matter what you try, so a cute picnic would be tragic. Finally, it’s packed with fit surfers and stunning sunbathers, a vision you wouldn’t want your beau to be distracted by whilst you’re lugging around your beach chairs. So get your togs ready, alert your fellow singletons and grab a few gold coins for a sand-free snack from Blair’s on the Beach and you’ll be sorted come Valentines day.

You cannot be cute at Ponsonby International Food Court. You just can’t. Whether you’re chowing down on ramen noodles or demolishing a pad thai, you’re guaranteed to get sauce on your face, coriander in your teeth, and yes, you will start heaving from an overzealous chilli courtesy of the friendly Malaysian. And let’s be honest, no one orders a curry and stays cute throughout a date night and gets away with it. This is why the food-court can be declared a Valentines Day free zone. Come Saturday afternoon and you’re starving from dodging the all-day couple brunches at local cafes, head to the food court for some seriously good kai and a breath of valentines-day-free-air.

Whether (most) people like to admit it or not, they often work out to impress other people. If they are willing, this ‘impressing’ usually lands them a Valentines date. This means that on Valentines Day the gym can be considered a lovers free zone. You can work on your abs, glutes, and other body bits and bobs with ease, no fear of stumbling across a loved up pair hovering by the treadmill. Les Mills will be a top pick for you come the 14th, with plenty of training sessions and dance classes on offer, which you can top of with a sauna or a deep tissue massage. Who says you need a spouse to pamper yourself, Less Mills will do it for you.

There’s nothing like good food, good people and a great local vibe to distract you from Valentines Day. The Pakuranga Night Markets brings all of this and then some to you, making it the ideal escape on that particularly soppy Saturday. Couples will be lost amongst the crowd and there will be little time for romance as the vendors hustle and bustle between hungry customers. You can wander around without a care in the world, with not a single trace of Valentines Day paraphernalia catching your eye. Visit your favourite stalls, try a little something out of your comfort zone, perhaps the grilled octopus skewers, who’s stopping you?

If we ignore the people who try to earn some chivalry points by taking their date volunteering on Valentines Day, we can declare the activity a Valentines Day free event. Volunteering in your community is a great way to support the locals, help out a charity and allow yourself to step outside of the me-me-me-bubble we’re so accustomed to. This Saturday February 14th you can volunteer your time to the NZ Heart Foundation by helping out as a collector in your local neighbourhood, raising money and awareness for a cause close to Kiwi hearts. Pun intended.

Variety of spices from home country.

Variety of spices from home country.

Variety of spices from home country.

Variety of spices from home country.

Variety of spices from home country.

Playing eeny, meeny, miny, moe with the huge board of burgers has never let me down. Each and every burger I’ve tried is decent sized, delicious and cheap too. Grab it with a chocolate milkshake and you’re sorted!

It may very well be a chain store but their burgers are worlds apart from the burgers served at other food chains. You can’t go wrong with the Bacon Backfire, especially when you compliment it with the yummy Kumara wedges, aioli and a malt shake. Magic.

Greasy goodness. The ‘burger of the week’ is what ropes you in and its the big, tasty, cheap burgers which keep you going back.

Great sushi, super friendly people. My kids love it -big plus! and end of the day everything's discounted, perfect for after school munchies! and for me the cheapest coconut water around..

The best Indian takeaway around. And the cheapest! It usually lasts us for days... My kids are addicted! Super nice people and they home deliver!

OK so this is Grey Lynn but for cheap eats its my all time favourite as they do amazing free tastings on Saturday. You can fill up on cheeses, prosciutto, dips, pies and grab a coffee and enjoy the sunshine at their outside table.

It's healthy and the kids have given it the thumbs up - not easy!! For a busy mum its also quick, cheap and healthy.

Love the teriyaki chicken, always fresh and cheap! 

Large selection of pizza's and pastas.

Amazing flavours, especially enjoyed the green curry. They even deliver :)

Fresh and cheap always a good option on the go!

Good selection of sushi, highly recommend.

Great atmosphere

Great Coffee

Amazing Coffee, The owners Michael and Anne are very nice friends people

Great new library. Great for the kids

Coffee is fantastic.

Pretty standard cronuts, but that’s ok. Because cronuts make your day better.

Having a cronut after a deep fried pork knuckle? Amazing.

These are some extra special cronuts, if you’re looking for premium quality give them a go.

Buy them in bulk, if you deliver 2 boxes of cronuts to someone you’re going to make their day. Nay, their week.

Great food, great service, better eating than any takeaway joint.

Great friendly service + good Kiwi kai. Can’t go wrong with a piece of Hoki with fries!

You’re never too far from a BK. Currently offering $5 meals so go overboard and order 2!

On your way south, the best pit stop for massive icecreams

The ‘gut-buster’. Enough said

Best place for a walk and ice cream

Flavours, price, size, ideal.

Yum.

Great old pub feel. Worth a stop for any serious beer lover.

One of the best craft beer brands in NZ and a great bar to sit back and enjoy the Hallertau range.

Mission bay and beer do mix well! What better place to enjoy this mix than the Belgian Beer Cafe.

Enjoy a pot of lemmon grass mussels and a Leffe Brun and dine like a real Belgian.

Got to be my favourite bar in Auckland. The Lumsden has the best range of craft beers and a great atmosphere to enjoy them in.

Vultures Lane is perhaps my favourite bar in Auckland. The place appears to be an unassuming old school pub however behind the bar there's an impressive tap and bottle selection showcasing some of the very best craft beer in the world. There's even swappa bottles of Lion Red if you're that way inclined. The food menu is almost as impressive with interesting options like the duck taco (delicious) and the umami burger. The staff are a bunch of characters matched only by the patrons who are always an interesting bunch. Go here if you're after a delicious beer in a relaxed pub atmosphere, surrounded by a wide array of Auckland's more colourful characters - and/or a duck taco.

Brothers beer has the look of a quirky kiwi bach in the 70’s and a bottled beer selection to rival any bar in the world. There’s 18 taps which are always pouring something to tickle your fancy including Brother’s own delicious beers brewed in the on site microbrewery. Brother’s has an off license as well so you’re encouraged to stock up on ‘homework’ to help further your beer education when you leave the bar. The staff know their brews and the location in the City Works Depot is excellent so don’t miss the chance to go check this local legend out!

Golden Dawn has personality to spare. The front bar is a bit of a shoebox with conversations, laughter and chilled music blending together to create a vibrant atmosphere. The outside area is a different story with rustic benches and wine barrels scattered across an expansive courtyard adorned with fairy lights and vines. The beer selection is respectable while not overly daring, featuring local stalwarts such as Hallertau and Liberty (try the Hallertau breakfast pale ale). The food on offer is interesting, delicious and a little bizarre but definitely worth a try. This place is great for a rowdy Friday night, a casual catch up with a mate or even as a venue to impress that special someone with a bit of boozy romancing.

The Lumsden has the best outdoor area of any bar in Auckland and there is no better spot to grab a bevvy and a bite to eat when big yellow is out. The tap selection is decent with 12 options on offer as well as several more beers of all styles and origins available in the bottle. The menu offers classic pub fare with a bit of a fancy twist so don't make the mistake of not ordering the ribs. Inside the bar you'll find seats made out of swappa crates and chandeliers made out of beer bottles giving the spot a uniquely kiwi feel. Definitely worth a visit for the great beer selection and the awesome venue - not to be missed when the sun is shining!

Real wood fire great couches and superb wines

Three fires with comfy couches

Couches with a nautical theme

Fire right by the door.. Have to be quick to get a spot

Love platform 2 at the back. a have to be quick to secure a spot in front of the fire!!