Best Places To Take a Date in Christchurch

Yes, there are the obvious places.

The botanic gardens.
Riverside Market.
A stroll along the Avon.
A drive up the Port Hills after dark for star gazing.
Picnic in Hagley Park.
Brunch at Drexel’s or Under The Red Verandah.
Dessert at Rollickin’ Gelato or Strawberry Fare.

For a low-key date, there’s nothing wrong with the classics. They’re classic for a reason: they feel safe, they follow an expected trajectory, and they don’t require a lot of money or planning.

First Date Etiquette

When you’re meeting someone for the first time, don’t overinvest. A quick coffee, drink, or stroll around the park is just fine. You don’t want to get stuck for hours doing something romantic with a person you don’t really know.

Second & Third Date Etiquette

But what about the next date, after you’ve decided there’s a spark?

What if you really like this person and want to spend quality time with them?

Don’t wow them by pulling out all the stops on your second date.

Scale up the romance slowly.

If you aim to impress on the second or third date, you have nowhere to go but down after that.

Plus, overspending can make your date feel uncomfortable. They feel like they have to match you, and they may be on a budget.

(Not to mention that splashing out on a super-romantic date too early can feel like love-bombing – save it for when you’ve become a couple.)

Instead, play the long game:

Make each date a little better/cooler/longer than the last.

Remember that this person is falling for you: your personality, your presence, your company. What you do on the date matters less than how you show up.

Pick a date setting where you feel confident and at your best. If you feel better on the move, choose an activity you can do together: dancing, hiking, minigolf, etc.

What are some of your favorite date places in Christchurch?