It's a classic for a reason - the dinner and a show combo is great if you're not a natural conversationalist: sit back and relax through some wicked entertainment then have plenty to talk about over dinner... Put your own spin on it depending what's on; go for a ballet at The Regent on Broadway, a heart-wrenching dramatic performance at Centrepoint or the latest blockbuster at Focal Point Cinema (Palmerston North or Feilding).
For dinner, the world's your oyster (as long as you've booked ahead), go worldwide with our international options such as Libre, Kapadokya or Arranged Marriage or make it an intimate evening at Little Savanna, Amayjen or The Strong Room.
TIP: Centrepoint has a dinner and a show option on a Wednesday night in collaboration with Brew Union. Two birds, one stone.
If you're into arts and culture but you'd rather be on the move, take a journey along the Coastal Arts Trail. Stretching from Foxton Beach, through Palmerston North, Whanganui and all the way to New Plymouth, a trip along the Coastal Arts Trail will keep you busy for a day (or two!).
From public murals and sculptures to contemporary crafts and fine art - you'll find plenty of creative inspiration and maybe even a new piece or two to brighten up your home!
If you both enjoy some well-earned pampering, make a date at Alchemy & I for a couple hours of luxury and cocktails with your very own glam team. Dates at the bar are out, head to the blowout bar instead to really get the wind under your wings and the sparks flying. Hair, nails, massage or all three? Just sit back, relax and let the magic (or alchemy) happen!
What's more? You'll both be looking 10/10 to take things out to dinner after.
Ditch the formality of a traditional dinner date and add a dash more playfulness and/or competitiveness at Tony's Pizza.
Opt for fun instead of fuss with the help of the overflowing shelves of games. If you can think of it, Tony's Pizza will have it! From Connect Four to Cards Against Humanity and everything in between, the hours will speed by fueled by plenty of laughs, pizza by the slice and some crafty brews.
Then, if you want to change up the location, take it up a notch at an arcade! Play to Win sits just down the road from Tony's Pizza or head to Downtown for Timezone.
Want to carry things through to morning? Take your date to the coast for the always-winning combination of beach and romance.
Stay overnight at Coastal Retreat and enjoy a memorable evening in a cosy, fully insulated, Mongolian-style yurt. Each yurt has a full size kitchen and bathroom attached, which is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
In the morning, rug up and take to beach for a stroll across the sand at Himatangi Beach. There's no soundtrack more romantic than waves crashing onto the shore.
Sometimes it's the simplest things that are the most enjoyable. Take a morning away from the every day routine and enjoy some un-interrupted one-on-one time at Victoria Esplanade. Enjoy the walking tracks through the native reserves, explore the Peter Black Conservatory for a more tropical vibe or visit Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre to hang out with the friendly Kea, Kaka and Tuatara residents.
Grab a coffee on the way and spend some easy time with your significant other enjoying the fresh air, some light exercise and good company.
Keep things eventful with Manawatū and Palmerston North's event calendar. Take to a family-friendly festival in Te Marae o Hine (The Square), please your ears at a performance by a musical virtuoso at The Globe or go Ghost (in a good way) with a beginners pottery workshop!
Mark our major events in your calendar, and keep an eye on our up-to-date Events page to always have something new to do! Think mid-winter markets to art festivals and everything in between!
Pile into the car for a slow Sunday drive up to northern Manawatū. Choose from one of three scenic driving routes as part of The Country Road Driving experience - all with knockout views along the way - and spend the day uncovering scenic picnic spots, art galleries, charming country pubs, native reserves, glowworm caves and more!
Pack a picnic, rug up and begin your adventure!
See which route along The Country Road suits you best and start planning your date today!