KEY POINTS:
Stars in your eyes
"And that lot there is The Pot." Quirky, original, unexpected. A Valentine's Day at the Stardome Observatory in Cornwall Park will no doubt come as complete surprise. Nevertheless it is one of the best hours you can spend in Auckland. And for Valentine's themed love stories at you gaze at the heavens. Dark enough for a bit of smooching in there too...
For reservations ph (09) 624 1246.
Live it up
Possibly a good option for those planning to pop "the question", the Valentine's Day package at boutique hotel Mollies in St Mary's Bay should go a long way to ensuring you get the right answer. Think fancy rooms, a bottle of No.1 Cuvee, chocolate truffles, a tandem massage, cocktails, five-course degustation dinner, gourmet breakfast and a Mollies "Survival Love Kit" - whatever that may be. Premium suite $2500 per couple; junior suite $2000. Reservations, ph (09) 376 3489.
Write a poem
Many's the lass gone weak at the knees with the help of a few delicately crafted poetic words. Have a crack yourself or, believe it or not, enlist the help of a professional. Enterprising wordsmith Greg Fleming only needs some details about your relationship and before you know it you'll have a lyrical masterpiece that you can pass off as your very own labour of love. Poetry made easy $150, Greg Fleming (021) 476861.
Hook up
Valentine's Day is arguably more about those looking for love than those already in it. With that in mind, any singles out there could do worse than get along to the Singles Valentine's Dinner, on at Degree in the Viaduct, Auckland. For singles between the ages of 25 and 42, the evening starts at 7pm, features a three-course meal and costs $67. Visit speeddate.co.nz for booking information.
Scared to commit?
Scaring the bejeezus out of your girl has long been a tactic to bring her closer. Why not let the professionals take care of it for you? Spookers, in the old psychiatric asylum at Kingseat, Karaka, does an excellent line in chainsaw-wielding murderers and blood-stained corpses. Warning: this could backfire quite spectacularly if you end up sprinting away leaving her to face the Cornfield Slayer alone.
Reservations, ph. (09) 291 9002.
The wild thing
Legendary tunesmith Don McGlashan is playing a special Valentine's Day gig at Auckland Zoo. Take a picnic, relax and let the music work its magic. Oh, and choose your moment to announce that you chose to attend this particular event to support the International Year of the Frog campaign and help preserve the South Island Kea. Good taste in music and loves animals. Bless. Tickets adults $30, children $15 (under-4 free). Reservations, Ticketmaster, ph. (09) 970 9700.
Wherefore art thou?
Oh, the poetry! The final performance of William Shakespeare's ultimate love story, Romeo and Juliet just happens to fall on Valentine's Day at the Pumphouse Theatre on Auckland's North Shore. If that fails to impress, it may be time to seriously consider your options.
Adult: $24; senior/student: $20; child (15 years and under):$16; Reservations, ph. (09) 489 8360
Get festive
If - let's be realistic - you're a little past the "wildly romantic" stages of your relationship, why not just have some fun at the popular Kumeu Beer, Wine and Food Festival on Valentine's Day? Westie hospitality at its finest translates to great food and drink. Goldenhorse have signed up, so the tunes aren't half-bad either. Kumeu Showgrounds, Access Rd, $25, under-16s free. Check out kumeufestival.co.nz.
Country cabaret
Head north for a heady evening of love songs of the 20s and 30s and "other surprises" sung by Ria Grun at the cosy Leigh Sawmill. Hum along as Grun borrows from a diverse range of influences. Oh, you can stay at the Sawmill too, so bed is just a romantic totter across the carpark. 6pm, Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 142 Pakiri Rd, Leigh. Ph. (09) 422 6019
