They still do good old fashioned $1 and $2 mixes here and I'm talking the bulging bags not the pathetic rip offs you get anywhere else. All the favourites too, winning.

Probably only need two words to describe this place, ‘Chocolate’ and ‘Everything.’ I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth but I took my daughters here and they lost their mind. Take the tour of the factory first then finish off the experience at the on-site cafe. Now there is a non-chocolate menu but let’s be honest, nobody’s got time for that when they’ve just had a tour of the factory and the only chocolate museum in the Asia Pacific region. Get educated on the chocolate making process as well as the history of chocolate and how it’s evolved over the last 3000 years then go and stuff your face, sounds like a plan. Try the famous Extreme Chocolate drink, served with chilli flakes. I have no idea why, but it works.

Iconic in The Mount. Be prepared to stand in line though as the queue get’s ridiculous in summer, but it’s well worth the wait. THE best soft serve waffle cones.

You would think with the name like that you’d think chocolate shake right… wrong. Their Vanilla shake is the business. They won’t be getting any customer service awards anytime soon but your tolerance will be rewarded.

The stall with the cheesecakes. That’s all I need to say.

Get a first-hand insight into the chaos and mayhem that took place the night Mount Tarawera erupted. An authentic appreciation of the Te Wairoa people.

Home of the impressive and very majestic aka 'Te Winika' which you have to check out. Good place to take the kids with fun hands-on science galleries for them and the best part is it's free.

Winner of the Supreme Tourism Award. A gateway for the art, culture and heritage of the local community. Visit and enjoy the stories of Te Tairawhiti.

A history lesson in style, here they use film and performing arts to tell the stories of our country. Something cool and different from the usual Museum visit.

Was in Rotorua for Raggamuffin so it was mandatory I paid local icon Oppie's a visit. Now in an ordinary takeaway store I'd stay clear of Burgers as I'm not a fan of a cheap pattie and some coleslaw, but this is no ordinary takeaway store. The Lamb Burger is the one. Dude who owns it is a character too, was decked out in his Rasta colours and all lol good man.

Pass through Cambridge a lot so Queen Vic is always a ritual stop. Fish works burger from the gourmet blackboard menu or nothing… trust me.

The first thought when the ‘Works’ Burger is delivered to your table is how you’re even going to eat this, it’s huge. You find a way though, definitely not for the faint hearted.

It’s almost impossible to pick from their gourmet burger menu, everything sounds the business. Went for the ‘Spicy Kahuna’ though and that’s what I call a burger, the spicy sauce made it. Can’t wait to be back in the region again to try something else.

Still regarded as one of the Top 10 spas in the world. Book the both of you in to be pampered followed by a soak in the secluded privacy of their private pools overlooking the lake. Admittedly pretty expensive but you'll have endless brownie points for this one.

Roughly 40 minutes drive from Waitomo. Visually one of NZ’s most impressive waterfall and easily accessible (7-10 min walk) so it’s a perfect spot for a picnic. Take your blanket, food, wine and find a spot on the rocks to enjoy your Valentine’s company and the powerful yet beautiful 30m high fall.

Spending money isn't always necessary on Valentines, especially when we have places like this that'll beat the socks off any fine dining restaurant when it comes to romantic settings. Only accessible via foot from Hahei, pass under the cove to the small secluded bay on the other side and admire one of NZ's most photographed spots.

Seafood and love go hand in hand and here you'll find the best of the best. Michelin quality food, in a beach bungalow situated right on Marine Parade where you can take a romantic walk after your dinner and enjoy the views of the ocean. Tempura fresh water koura (crayfish) and crumbed scallops are a must-try on the menu, so good.

This year Valentine's Day falls on a Friday so why not book a night somewhere and here's where you want to book. Luxury accommodation with amazing views and waterfront dining or you want to be alone just lock yourselves in your room and order in. The next day can be spent relaxing in or around the infinity pool overlooking the harbour.

If you’re stuck for something to do in Hawkes Bay I’d recommend having a look at what’s on at the Municipal Theatre. There’s a box office on-site but even if you’re not lucky enough to secure a ticket to whatever is on, it’s one of the few working art deco theatres left in the world so it’s worth a look and a few snaps.

Famous for it's live acts in the 'Back Room' this place is a must-stop for every big kiwi band on their summer tours with the likes of Shapeshifter, Six60, Kora, and Katchafire playing here nearly every year. Not just that, there's a restaurant, public bar, bottle store and bungalows making it one of the country's biggest hot-spots during the holiday period.

The cool thing about this place was Gisborne’s finest local live acts on the street who at first glance I thought were buskers and probably are on any other day when they haven’t been asked by Verve to play out front. The atmosphere was so chilled and the coffee was super good.

Have lunch and a beer at one of NZ’s most iconic pubs. Best known for the huge live gigs it holds over summer, you can bet most big kiwi bands have played here.

The amazing vintage interior here is worth the look alone. Perfect spot for a beer and some people watching. They host up & coming live acts too and the food's great. You can even order Burger Fuel and have it delivered to you while you have a drink lol too cool.

Our country's highest water touch bungy. 47 metres high and no turning back... biggest rush!

Cliche I know, but everyone has to luge at least once in their life while visiting Rotorua. The corner directly after the ‘Big Dipper’ still haunts me after attempting to go round it far too fast and breaking my arm on an Intermediate school trip. Not the cheapest thing around to do if you’re taking the whole family so make sure you make a day of it.

Self drive adventures with amazing views and landscape, either on a quad farm-bike or off-roader. No previous experience needed so it’s perfect for all skill levels.

When the tours are named ‘Black Odyssey’ ‘Black Abyss’ and ‘Black Labryrinth’ you know you’re in for some extreme adventure. This one’s more for the thrillseekers, but there is tours to suit everyone.