Love is in the air this weekend, and we've got plenty of ideas for you and your S.O.
1. Take in a romantic movie in the open air with The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora's special outdoor cinema screening of Notting Hill (4.30pm) and The Notebook (7pm). Bring rugs for the grass, chairs for the paving stones, and if you're early enough, you might even snag one of the provided bean bags. Where: The Arts Centre North Quad When: Sunday February 14 from 4.30pm
2. Check out any of our city's sweet farmers' markets, grab yourself and your sweetheart a fresh pastry, hot coffee, and browse the stalls for anything else that takes your fancy. Stock up on fresh produce to cook a romantic meal at home, and you'll really be in the good books. Where: Mt Pleasant Farmers' Market, Christchurch Famers' Market and Green Lane market on Saturday; Riccarton Market, The Arts Centre Mākete, The Works Market and Opawa Farmers' Market on Sunday.
3. Grab a bouquet, posy or long-stemmed rose from Court Florist to put a smile on your loved one's face. Flowers are always a winner in our books, so you needn't stop at your spouse – spread the love to your parents, kids, or friends as well!
4. For a unique date activity that will give you a unique gift to take home, try one of Fragranzi's make-your-own perfume experiences. Fragranzi's perfume studio has 20 perfume bases to choose from, from which you can add or subtract fragrance components to come up with your new signature scent.
5. Head to the always-lovely Botanic Gardens and enjoy some free live music as part of Ben & Jerry's Lazy Sundays. On Valentine's Sunday you'll be treated to music from homegrown artists Motte, Ryan Fisherman and Mousey. What better way to spend some quality time than with a picnic among the trees while enjoying some excellent live music? Where: Christchurch Botanic Gardens When: Sunday February 14 from 2pm
6. If you're looking for an extra-special gift to treat that special person in your life, pay a visit to Vikki at Roccabella. She can use her exceptional talents to create your own bespoke jewellery piece, or you can browse the range of beautiful and unique jewellery brands in store.
7. Dinner and a movie is always a classic, and Lumière Cinemas has a great range of films on this weekend, including Promising Young Woman, High Ground, and the 1987 classic that won Cher her Oscar, Moonstruck (head to the 4:15pm Valentine's day viewing for a free glass of bubbles with your ticket). Precede or follow up your cinematic experience with a drink in the lush Bijou bar - sitting in the gorgeous velvet chairs overlooking the peacock fountain is a perfect cherry on the top of your evening.
8. If roses are your love language, Moffatt's has you covered for all your V Day needs. These folks are New Zealand's biggest rose growers and have over 35 varieties to choose from. They also have a great collection of house plants if you're looking for the gift that keeps on living.
9. Take a peaceful walk down the Avon River with your boo. If you're from the Jane Austen school of romance, there's nothing like getting back to nature to make you feel the love, and our beautiful Ōtākaro offers the perfect backdrop for lots of heart-eyed gazing and hand-holding. Up your game with a cruise on the water itself: Airborn Paddling if you like paddleboarding, Christchurch Sea Kayaking if you like just straight paddling, Waka on Avon if you like waka-ing, and Punting on the Avon if you really want someone else to do the work for you.
10. Chocolate. When in doubt, always choose chocolate.