Are you bored of the same old same old dinner and a movie? Wondering what other options there are for a fun date in Wellington? You have come to the right place. Whether it’s your first tinder date and you don’t want any awkward silences or you have been married for 10 years and you’re bored of the same old, there’s plenty of things to keep you busy. Whatever is going on in your lurve life, it’s always good to keep those dates fresh.
Here are 16 fun and active date ideas in Wellington. From seeing animals to rock climbing to following the writers walk, there is something for every couple:
As always, got any more ideas? Leave me a comment. Let’s connect!
1. Visit Zealandia
I have to hold my hands up. I haven’t actually been to Zealandia yet but I know for sure it is the perfect date spot. Head up to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary and do a bush walk, see the native birds and wildlife. If this is your thing you can also do guided walking tours in both the day and the night. Kiwi are often seen.
You can take the free shuttle from the top of the cable car or stroll up easily from the botanic gardens.
Where: End of Waiapu Road, Karori
Website: Zealandia
2. Visit The Zoo
Similarly, for animal lovers, you could head to the zoo to with your date to see the animals and stroll around. Visit the cute otters, the giraffes and the lions! Bound to keep you entertained for hours.
For those wanting something out of the box, you could book into the close encounters with various animals such as the red panda, the cheetah or the meerkat to get an upclose experience.
Where: 200 Daniell St, Newtown, Wellington 6021
Website: Wellington Zoo
3. Take the Wellington Harbour Ferry
If you’re in the mood for some couples boating which won’t break the bank, head down to Queens Warf and take the boat across the water. Give yourself 2 or 3 hours and head to Matiu/Somes Island to the fascinating scientific and historic DOC reserve.
Alternatively, on a nice day head to the beautiful Days Bay beach go for a bush walk and grab a coffee or a wine at one of the cafes. The ferry only takes around 30 minutes.
Where: Queens Warf, Wellington Harbour Front.
Website: Wellington Harbour Ferry
4. Have Ice Cream at Kaffee Eis
If you really must do a datey date, how about head out for an Ice cream instead of a boozy drink? Eis is a great gelato shop that you can find on either Cuba Street, Frank Kitts Park, Courtney Place, Oriental Bay. Grab one and sit inside or go for a wander and sit in the park. Totally romantic and you always need a good excuse for ice cream.
Where: Cuba Street, Frank Kitts Park, Courtney Place, Oriental Bay
Website: Kaffee Eis
5. Go Climbing
What’s better than staring up at your dates derriere while you belay them from below? Sounds dodgy I know, but for all you adrenaline junkies, climbing could be the perfect date.
If you are a whizz or a beginner, anyone can spend a couple of hours down at Fergs Kayaks on the waterfront doing some climbing and what better way to get to know your date than calming their fears while they are halfway up a wall.
Where: Shed 6, Queens Wharf, Wellington, 6011
Website: Fergs Kayaks
6. Try Axe Throwing
A new one on the books but definitely up there with the great date ideas is Sweet Axe Throwing. Go and spend some time throwing some axes at targets. Its big in the states, so why not here!
Sweet Axe Throwing Company has opened up at 58 Kent Terrace this year and is New Zealand’s first urban axe throwing experience. What is axe throwing you might wonder? Well, it’s a playoff where a group (or couple) take turns to throw an axe at a target. Definitely, one to get the anger and frustration out with (not on) your date.
Where: 58 Kent Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Website: Sweet Axe Co.
7. Go Horse Riding
You need to take a little trip out of the city for this one, but what better date than riding horseback with your lover. With a few different options for horseback riding around the Wellington area, it’s easy to make this a date.
Check out the Horse Trekking Guide for all Wellington based horse riding options.
8. Head to the Botanical Gardens
Want to get outdoors but not go too far? The Botanical Gardens is your answer. Nestled behind the city this is an urban paradise. Travel via the cable car from Lambton Quay to be extra romantic and take a stroll through the rose garden. You can also grab a flagon of beer from the Sprig and Fern to bring with you if you simply must add alcohol to the date.
Where: 101 Glenmore St, Kelburn, Wellington 6012
9. Go Kayaking at Wellington Harbour
Looking for more action, head back to Fergs (location of the climbing wall) and take a Kayak around the harbour. And for even more dateyness, grab one of the double kayaks for one or two hours. How romantic AND fun…
Where:6 Queens Wharf, Wellington, 6011
Website: Fergs Kayaks
10. Hire Bikes
Be it downloading the app and grabbing a couple of Onzos (Wellington’s version of Boris Bikes) or heading to Switched on Bikes and hiring a couple of Electric bikes for the day, biking is a great date. Electric bikes are a particularly great way to get around Wellington, hills and all!
Hire Switched on Bikes by reserving online for either a day or a half day.
Website: Switched On Bikes
11. Go Surfin
Looking for something totally cool to show off to your date? Surfings got to be it. And for those of you like me who don’t have on hand surfing gear or skills for that matter, you can head down to one of the local surf schools.
Real Surf does two-person group coaching which is bound to be a bonding experience for you and your date.
Website: Real Surf
12. Do some Yoga!
This is one close to my heart and one I am always unsuccessfully trying to convince my boyfriend to come along too. Yoga is the best activity for all bodies and leaves you to feel absolutely amazing afterwards.
Perhaps try a nice yin class or head to a super classy and breath-taking studio like Pause in Days Bay or Space in Mount Victoria.
For the full list of the best yoga studios in Wellington, check out my previous blog post HERE
13. Visit the SPCA
Another for you animal lovers and this one is completely free! The SPCA in Newtown has visiting hours for you to go and visit their rescued animals. The puppies and kittens can be played with and held upon request and this really helps them socialise. Just watch out they don’t pee on you or your date, that might turn things a little sour!
Where: 140 Alexandra Rd, Newtown, Wellington 6021
Website: SPCA Wellington
14. See a Band
Novel idea – well not really, more like a kind of a classic but I’ll put it in here anyway. Take your date to go and see a band!
There are a few great venues to be had in Wellington but my personal two favourites are Meow or San Fran. There are some really great names on and you can try something indie and underground to really impress your date with your cool musical knowledge
15. Do the Wellington Writers Walk
Up for a wander? What about a wander with some thought-provoking messages along the way? If this is your thing then check out the Wellington Writers Walk. Take in 23 tributes to the city through the typographical sculptures dotted along the waterfront. Poetry and love, the oldest companions – the perfect way to woo in Wellington.
Where: Wellington Waterfront
Website: Wellington Writers Walk
16. Go Bushwalking
If walking is your thing but your not about the writing, how about heading out to do one of the many many beautiful walks to be found around Wellington?
For some great trails, you could head round to Red Rocks from Owhiro Bay. Hike up Mount Vic, Try the City to Sea or one of the many more! Check out this blog from Concrete Playground about The Seven Best Walks in Wellington.
So that’s it for now folks! 16 great ideas for you to go out dating all over but if you really must stick to the foodie kind of date, you might like to check out my previous blog posts for some ideas for where to take your lover of choice:
My Top 5 Restaurants in Wellington
My Top 5 Cheap Eats in Wellington
My Top 5 Wellington Coffee Shops
Thanks for reading and do come back soon!
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Peace
Josie x