Four of the best: Romantic date spots in Auckland

The dim lighting provides for a romantic night at Bellota. Photo / Babiche Martens

1. Date night at Matakana Cinemas
2 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana. Ph (09) 423 0218. Price: from $15

Enjoy a sweet French movie Romantics Anonymous at the boutique Matakana Cinemas after bubbles from the winebar or dessert at the Market Kitchen.

2. Sweet sundae
Movenpick 75 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay or cnr Albert and Quay St, Auckland 09 521 6166

Splurge on an old-fashioned sundae, followed by a romantic walk along the beach or ferry ride across the harbour.

3. Picnic at Shakespear Regional Park
Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Park opening hours: Summer: 6am-9pm. Price: free

Pack a delicious picnic and a bottle of wine and head to the beautiful and recently re-opened Shakespear Regional Park. Soak up the panoramic views from the lookout. There are plenty of secluded spots to throw down your picnic rug.

4. Spanish churros
Bellota, 91 Federal St, SkyCity. Ph (09) 363 6000, open from 4.30pm. Churros from $10

Enjoy delicious tapas and a sangria at Bellota before the romance of a shared desert - the twist is chilli and blood orange, perfect with the chocolate dulce de leche.