Five of the best: First dates

Where are the best spots to let sparks fly on your first date? Photo / Thinkstock

A successful first-date location allows you to see if there’s a spark with someone, in a casual setting with flattering light. You want to be able to showcase your best banter, remain relaxed and, when you’re brave enough, indulge in some flirtatious glances and gazes. Here’s what we suggest...

1: Explore the Old Cement Works at Warkworth

We heard about a gem from a friend who likes to make women swoon, starting with a ride on the back of his motorcycle. However, you don't need the leathers to pull this one off - any mode of transport will do. Jump from the grassy banks into the swimming hole, explore the ruins and chill out with a packed lunch in the sun. Take signposted Wilson Rd off Pulham Rd and enter the Old Cement Works by an unsealed road leading to a carpark.

2: Go on a boat ride

There's something romantic about the gentle sway of the sea as you take in the scenes of the Hauraki Gulf. Get yourselves a seat either on a ferry to Devonport or Waiheke Island. Once there, hire bikes - tandem or solo - and spend the morning cycling around the town. Pick up a stash of salty fish and chips rolled up in paper and find a spot seaside to top off an outdoorsy date that shows you have put your thinking cap on.

3: Dine at Depot

86 Federal St, Auckland

They say it best themselves on the Depot website: "Not overly precious or pretentious - just fast, fun and fresh". Al Brown's award-winning Depot ticks all the boxes and never fails to impress. Sharing plates is a great ice-breaker - can we suggest starting with a couple of plump oysters from the raw bar? Hapuka sliders with preserved lemon mayo and watercress should not be missed. Likewise Lyndon's courgette flowers with Persian feta and pinenuts. Depot doesn't take bookings and frequently has a full house, so opt for an early dinner or lunch.

Depot Eatery on Federal St. Photo / Dean Purcell

4: Hangout at Neck of the Woods

155B Karangahape Rd, Auckland

This hip K Rd venue boasts a dynamic array of live acts, no matter what evening your date night lands on. Check out its Facebook page for the latest listings from funk to hip-hop, video screenings, art exhibitions and DJs spinning up a storm. Grab some tasty bar snacks and a cocktail for your crush - this new-ish hang-out is particularly good during cooler months.

5: Outdoor Cinema at Silo Park

This summer's session of outdoor cinema screenings at Silo Park is coming to a close, but they're wrapping up the month with a killer date-night movie - Jaws. Bring a blanket, pack your best grazing goods (we like cheeses, artichoke hearts and cold meats) and find a cosy spot to snuggle under the stars and silo shadows. There's nothing like a freaky (albeit cheesy) flick to bring two people together.

Outdoor cinema screenings at Silo Park. Photo / Supplied