Lots of us have been on Tinder dates, and after a couple, they can get a bit same-same: meet in a bar, have a drink – feel it out. Blegh. You want something unique, something special, that’s why you’re here. We’ve got five original ideas for you:

• For a truly unique experience,  book yourselves a couple of sensory deprivation tanks at Float Culture. Trust us, by sharing this experience you’ll gain more common ground and a more interesting dinner conversation following. We’ve seen many-a-date come through our doors. Our state-of-the-art float rooms and pods and friendly staff will leave you feeling wonderful. You’ll both leave completely relaxed, renewed and ready to explore a love connection.

Budget: $200

Address: 12 Water St, Grafton, Auckland

• Like the spiritual, relaxed vibe of floating, but looking for something a little more low-key? You might like to share a couple of bowls of Kava at ‘Four Shells Kava Bar’. Kava is drink made from a plant, originating from the South Pacific islands. It is an ideal sober date-night drink because it’s known for its ability to promote relaxation, sociability and a feeling of harmony without diminishing judgement, mental clarity or awareness. What better way to ensure you have meaningful conversations that scrape beneath the surface with a love interest?

Budget: $20 – $65.

Address: 12/210 Victoria St West.

• This third idea is inspired by our very own story. We had our second date at the Stardome Observatory Planetarium, followed by a romantic stroll through the One Tree Hill Park. We are married now! What can we say, it must have been written in the stars. Or maybe love was in the air. Get it? Ok, we’ll stop with the puns.

Budget: $30  – $70

Address: 670 Manukau Rd, One Tree Hill Domain, Auckland, New Zealand

• If you’re into board games, you could drop by Cakes’N’Ladders, the board game café. They have hundreds of different games, and the lovely owners will even help you pick a game for your taste. There are also a few tasty food joints nearby you can feast in beforehand.

Budget: $10-$30

Address: 173 Symonds St, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010

• For the more adventurous, sporty readers, we suggest visiting Snowplanet. It’s basically a more exciting alternative to mini-golf and we feel like it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves as a hot date-night spot. You’d both be wearing big jackets and pants, but if one of you is a beginner, it’ll give the more experienced one an opportunity to get up close and personal when teaching them. Saucy.

Budget: $96 – $200

Address: 91 Small Rd, Silverdale 0932

There you go, five unique, sober date night ideas. You can do one or all five of them! Hope this helps:)