Valentine's Day Around Australia and New Zealand

Australia

Valentine’s Day on February 14 is a popular day and one of the major commercial events in Australia. Cards, flowers, chocolates or jewelry are the usual gifts to celebrate love. It is not a public holiday on the mainland as opposed to the island state of Tasmania where the day is public holiday. Typical activities are picnic in the park, buying presents, a romantic meal in a restaurant, a boat cruise with a special meal and sharing Valentine’s Day messages via social media and radio announcements. Some people choose Valentine’s Day as the day to propose to their partners or choose it as wedding day. The Valentine’s Day ball is popular, and it is to raise funds for various causes that help others in need. People used to decorate cards, cookies with heart shapes or with pairs of birds, cute teddy bears, or Cupid with his arrow.

New Zealand

Valentine’s Day is on the 14th of February. Shops, cafes restaurants open decorated with love symbols. You celebrate the day with people who you love, friends, family and your significant other.

It is really popular to celebrate the day at Bucket Fountain in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Bucket Fountain is an iconic landmark; it is a series of buckets that fill with water until they tip, spilling their load into the buckets and pool below but mostly on bystanders. On Valentine’s Day visitors mix chemical detergent in the buckets that make the water bubbly and colorful. Visitors spend lots of time watching it and buying some sweets or some local dishes that they can eat around the fountain.

In Christchurch, Westfield Riccarton Shopping Centre is the best shopping market in New Zealand. Tourists can find international and valuable branded products. On Valentine’s Day, the place is beautifully decorated with lights and red flowers. The whole place is lighted with neon lights and traditional music is played all over the place. You can buy special sweet products that you can enjoy with your loved one.

Nevis Bungy and Rotorua Bungy are the top places for bungy jumping in New Zealand, Nevis Bungy being the highest bungy in the country, a pure adrenaline rush. This is one of the fun ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Other activities for nature lovers are whale watching, wildlife tours, and spotting Kiwis. Kiwi is New Zealand’s national bird. Horse riding and cruise riding are really romantic activities and popular in the country. Jet boating has increased in popularity lately.

Lake Tekapo is a popular spot for weddings. You can take really magnificent pictures with the purple and red background. Tea lovers can enjoy the special high tea on the Zealong or Chateau Tongariro tea plantations.

Larnach Castle is the only castle in New Zealand. The ballroom holds weddings. Manukau Heads Lighthouse is full of historical paintings and cultural sculptures.

Double kayaking can help you decide how serious your relationship is. For this activity you have to work together well.

Wine tasting is a fun and romantic activity for couples.

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New Zealand

Published in 2019

Discover New Zealand with this essential travel guide, designed to help you create your own unique trip and to transport you to this beautiful country before you've even packed your case. Hike up mountains and glaciers, taste world-class wines, go whale-watching or enjoy spectacular coastal drives - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide New Zealand covers the must-see sights and the hidden corners, so you won't miss a thing. - Gorgeous, all-new colour photography so you can imagine yourself there - Reasons to love New Zealand- Maori culture, geysers and mud pools, pristine beaches - what will yours be? - See New Zealand from a different angle- 24 pages of fresh ideas for exploring the country's landscape and culture - A year-long calendar of events in New Zealand gives a selection of sporting occasions, celebrations and festivals for all seasons - Expert advice covers the practical stuff- get ready, get around and stay safe - Detailed, colour maps help you navigate the country with ease - Expert tips to make memories that last - where to snap and share the perfect photo, take in stunning views and escape the crowds - The most authentic places to stay, eat, drink and shop - Easy-to-follow walks and itineraries cover the whole country, with plenty of food and drink stops en route - Hand-drawn illustrations show the must-see attractions, including Auckland's Skytower, Olveston Historic Home and Fiordland National Park - Covers The North Island- Auckland, Northland, The Central North Island, Wellington and the South; The South Island- Marlborough and Nelson, Canterbury; and the West Coast, Otago and Southland. About DK Eyewitness Travel- For 25 years, DK's beautifully practical Eyewitness guides have been combining inspiring ideas and expert advice with easy-to-read maps and vivid photography to inform and enrich your holiday. This year they have been given a stunning new look that you will love even more. DK is the world's leading illustrated reference publisher, producing beautifully designed books for adults and children in over 120 countries.

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