Valentine's Day  Happy Valentine's Day(2008)
From 101lifeStyle.com Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations: Valentine's Day Romantic Cities:  4.Auckland - City Of 100 Lovers: Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest urban area of the country and is also New Zealand's most populous city. Auckland lies between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean to the east, the low Hunua Ranges to the south-east, the Manukau Harbour to the south-west, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and north-west.
It is called A City Of 100 Lovers in Maori because it was desired by all and conquered by many. Auckland is situated in a natural and beautiful region, with plenty of good parks and islands and vineyards and lots of things to do to recharge your Love and have a romantic holiday. Things To Do / See:  A.Visit The Main Attractions:
Historic Bastion Point offers visitors a range of outdoor experiences, from expansive views of the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island, to large open spaces perfect for flying a kite, kicking around a ball with friends or just lazing in the sunshine. Ayrlies is a garden masterpiece situated in the gently rolling countryside of Whitford. Either stroll through Ayrlies at your leisure or bring along a picnic and find a private spot to relax in the garden surrounds.
Go to Crystal Mountain and have a delicious lunch at the ‘Café on The Rock’, or travel by elevator to the heart of Crystal Mountain, the Crystal Mine Museum, where you will see rare and exquisite crystals, minerals, fossils and meteorites from around the world and beyond. Buy for your sweetheart a piece of jewellery from the amazing variety of unique jewellery, crystal and gem gifts and souvenirs that are for sale in the retail gallery. Just 30-minutes from Auckland City, is the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and its prolific art community. The area is stunning with its lush green forests filled with bush walks, waterfalls and canoyons. The Waitakere Ranges open out onto black-sand beaches great for a summer day surfing, horse riding, or playing in the sand. The historic seaside village of Devonport has a charming and relaxed atmosphere. Stroll around the village at your leisure and visit some of its attractions including the many art galleries and historic points of interest. Princess Wharf and sky tower are also worth a visit.
 B.Visit Kiwi Valley Farm:
Kiwi Valley offers a interactive New Zealand Country Experience. Enjoy hand feeding animals, horse and pony rides, tractor rides, and farm walk trails. Explore the MAZE and discover the hidden caves! Enjoy casual dining at the fully licensed cafe. For gifts, wander through Country Classic Retail. Pre-book a riding lesson at the Riding School.  C.Romantic Dinner:
Mission Bay, The Promenade is located just ten minutes from central Auckland alongside one of Auckland’s beautiful urban beaches. With an extensive range of beachfront dining options you can enjoy a thriving café culture and choose from some of the best restaurants and bars that Auckland has to offer. Dine al fresco along The Promenade and enjoy spectacular views of Rangitoto and the beautiful Auckland Harbour.  D.Choose Out-of-Town Island Trips:
360 Discovery operates a number of 'Discovery' day trips as well as commuting from Gulf Harbour to Auckland City daily with lunch. Head to the Hauraki Gulf. There are a number of island options there, but Great Barrier Island is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen and offers great hiking, swimming, and accommodations. Discover why Auckland's North Shore is known as the 'Lifestyle City'.
Only a short drive across the Harbour Bridge, or a ten minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, experience the North Shore's Pohutukawa lined shores.
Relax at one of more than 20 sandy beaches, stroll through beautiful parks and enjoy coastal walks. Explore boutique shops and markets, climb Mt Victoria or North Head for fantastic 360 degree views and experience the village atmosphere of Devonport.
Visit Motuihe Island and choose between planting trees, lying on the pristine beaches, or taking a walk with opportunities to see native birds.  E.Go to Minus5 degree or Snow Planet:
Get down to minus5º and surround yourself in tonnes of hand sculpted ice. Everything is made of ice. The walls, the bar, the sculptures, the seats and even the glasses that you enjoy our famous vodka based cocktails in. A unique experience that will chill your bones and delight your senses.
Address: Princes Wharf, Quay Street, (Next to Lenin Bar)
Snowplanet is the only indoor snow resort in the Southern hemisphere where tourists can experience the thrill of snowsports and atmosphere of a snow village 20 minutes north of Auckland and open 365 days-a-year. Snowplanet's giant snowhall features 50 centimetres of real powder snow, three lifts, a terrain park for snowboarders and separate learner area, for a fun day out irrespective of Auckland's weather. We hire out all the gear you need for a fun experience in the snow, so just turn up in your shorts and sandals and we’ll take over from there! The Mountain View Cafe & Bar, with panoramic views onto the snowdome, snowsport shop, rental centre and Snow Academy complement the excitement in the snow to offer an unforgettable day.
Address: 91 Small Road, Silverdale (15 mins north of Harbour Bridge).  F.Go For A Wine Tour:
NZWINEPRO provide wine and scenic adventures in luxury for the discerning. Your Guide can take you behind the scenes to wineries in Kumeu/Huapai, Waimauku and Henderson, the heartland of the New Zealand Wine Industry. Many tour options include Piha, Muriwai, and scenic highlights from the stunning Waitakere Ranges & Regional Parks area. Other tour destinations also include Matakana, Waiheke Island and The Coromandel Peninsula.  G.Go for a Dolphin / Whale Tour:
Auckland's Dolphin and Whale Safari is the original Auckland operator permitted to show you whales, dolphins and other fascinating marine animals in their natural environment . Dolphin Planet offers Dolphin Watching Tours of the Hauraki Gulf maritime park. Common dolphins, Bryde's whales, bottlenose dolphins, orca, and seabirds can be spotted. An on-board nature guide will discuss the wildlife, islands, and research efforts. Dolphins can be spotted hunting, resting, and playing. Curious dolphins will approach the boat to bowride and people watch!  H.For Art Lovers:
Go to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki and View early portraits of Maori and early New Zealand landscapes, alongside contemporary New Zealand art.
In scenic countryside just out of Matakana Village is the new Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. Framed by native trees, palms and green pastures, the gateway to the trail is through an architecturally designed glass pavilion. Here, visitors can browse through art publications whilst enjoying a glass of Brick Bay wine and seasonal platters.
At The Connells Bay Sculpture Park Visitors can enjoy a guided walk on a two kilometre track through native bush and farmland which allows stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. Along the walk, visitors will come across the ever-increasing collection of 25 sculptures made out of concrete, ceramic, bronze, stone, steel, aluminium and wood – some of the sculptures stand at eight metres high. Connells Bay Sculpture Park is also the home to a self-contained beach cottage available for rent and a gallery in which works are available for sale.
Lake House Arts Centre, Lopdell House Gallery, Mangere Gateway Cultural Heritage, Howick Historical Village, Pou Kapua are all worth a visit.  I.Visit Auckland’s Beautiful Gardens:
Auckland is a garden lover's paradise - experience some of the region's best gardens and landscapes at events throughout the year. Event highlights include Ellerslie Flower Show, the largest garden show in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing the best horticulture, floral and landscape designs from throughout New Zealand, Parnell's annual Festival of Roses which celebrates the historic charm of the Parnell Rose Gardens and Parnell's mainstreet; and set against a backdrop of spectacular Waiheke Island landscape and coastline, the biennial Sculpture on the Gulf is New Zealand's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition.  J.Go For A Balloon Tour:
On a clear winter morning, there’s no better way to take in the stunning surrounds of Auckland with its islands, cities, beaches and ranges than from floating along in a hot air balloon. Balloon Safaris, New Zealand’s oldest established balloon company has a variety of balloons, the largest being nearly 110 feet tall and carrying up to eight passengers at a time. Whatever your occasion may be, whether it’s a romantic reason or any other Balloon Safaris can give you an Auckland experience like no other. How To Get To Auckland:  By Air:
Auckland International Airport (+64 9 275 0789/ http://www.auckland-airport.co.nz) is New Zealand's largest and busiest airport and is located 21 km (14 miles) from downtown Auckland. The airport provides direct service and connections to domestic and international destinations. Airbus offers service to and from the airport and Auckland City every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes after 6p.
Taxis and shuttle buses are located at the western side of the International Terminal and in front of the Domestic Terminals.
 By Train:
Tranz Scenic (+64 4 495 0775/ http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz) is New Zealand's only passenger rail service. The Overlander route offers service to Auckland from Wellington.
 By Bus:
InterCity Coachlines (+64 9 913 6100/ http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz) offers frequent daily coach service throughout all of New Zealand. The bus stops are located at the Sky City Coach Terminal on 102 Hobson Street and outside the main doors of the Auckland International Airport. Northliner Express (+64 9 307 5873/ http://www.northliner.co.nz) has frequent routes throughout the Northland area with the Auckland stop located at 172 Quay Street.
 By Car:
A large motorway network provides direct links to Auckland.
Getting Around Auckland: The Link (http://www.stagecoach.co.nz) provides bus service between central Auckland locations. Rideline (http://www.rideline.co.nz) provides public transportation throughout the Auckland region via bus, ferry and train. There are many Car and motorcycle rental companies in Auckland. Auckland Hotels:  A.Mollies Auckland: Mollies romantic boutique hotel accommodation in Auckland city New Zealand, is a small luxury hotel. Overlooking Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mollies boutique hotel offers spacious luxury accommodation, a stroll from fashionable Ponsonby Road and 5 minutes to Auckland city CBD. Their romantic packages include celebrations in the romantic, elegant surroundings of a beautiful luxury suite adorned with candles, bottle of champagne and gifts to welcome you. Mollies Auckland city package for two includes luxury suite accommodation, canapés and aperitif for two in Mollies salon bar, a' la carte dinner and gourmet breakfast served in the privacy of your suite or on the terrace.
B.Giverny: Elegant, romantic accommodation set in gorgeous gardens with stunning 200 degree views of the Hauraki Gulf and it's islands. 3 luxury suites, superb range of facilities, jacuzzi, gourmet breakfasts, in-house massage and beauty therapy – all ready to pamper you.
C.Umoya Lodge: Set atop Mount Rataroa, just one hour drive south of Auckland, sits Umoya Lodge. A place like no other. This unique lodge is situated on 35 acres of native bush, with stunning views of the Coromandel and Pacific Ocean.
D.Stafford Villa: Heritage colonial villa located in the genteel suburb of Birkenhead Point minutes to Downtown Auckland by ferry or car. Within walking distance to restaurants, cafes and boutigue shopping. The Villa has two luxury suites with oriental flair. Sumptious breakfasts and all the attention to detail will make your stay memorable.
E.Auckland's Waitakere Estate: Auckland's Waitakere Estate is located on a ridge top in 70 acres of pristine native forest. The Estate's stunning ridgetop position provides remarkable views of the native forest and Auckland City. The Boutique Hotel's facilities include a fully licensed restaurant, large lounge bar, squash court, petanque, sauna, extensive grounds and forest walks. Nearby are the West Coast beaches, vineyards and many activites.
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