It’s almost that time of year, where appreciating dad should be your number one priority.
Father’s day is on the first of September this year which means there’s less than four weeks to prepare. If you’re feeling like you’ve exhausted all your ideas or just don’t have the time to come up with something new, we’ve gathered our top picks for dad’s special day. This includes our favourite activities, the best eats and a couple of cool gift ideas.
1- Beaches and Barbecues
Some may call it stereotypical but nothing says a Kiwi father’s day like a barbecue by the beach. If the weather behaves then why not pack the car with dad’s favourite barbecue foods and find the perfect spot for a family day. You can even invite friends and family to celebrate all the great fathers in your circle during one classic Kiwi outing. If you want to take the experience to the next level you could even choose a beach that’s a little further out of Auckland and turn your beach day into a little road trip.
![barbeque Barbecue Father's day beach](https://i0.wp.com/www.vervemagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/barbeque.jpg?fit=1000%2C1500&ssl=1)
2- Market hoping
Given that Father’s day is always on a Sunday, it might be interesting to take advantage of the many markets that take place over the weekend. The Sunday farmers market is another classic Auckland activity with a little something for everyone. There’s something simple and wholesome about gathering the family for a cup of coffee, a home-made treat and some local shopping. Check out your nearest Saturday or Sunday market for a quaint Fathers’ day this year.
![market day](https://i0.wp.com/www.vervemagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/market-day.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
3- Brunch at the Zoo
This one may not sound as conventional but it could be something new to try. Auckland Zoo is doing an all day brunch for Father’s day this year, complete with a slider board and a selection of sliders. The $69 ticket also includes admission to the Zoo, so brunch can be followed by a walk around Auckland Zoos many exhibitions. Whether you bring the family together or choose to have some one-on-one time with dad, it seems like a fun day out either way.
![zoo brunch Zoo Brunch](https://i0.wp.com/www.vervemagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/zoo-brunch.jpg?fit=1000%2C668&ssl=1)
4- Self Care Spa Day
Where is it written that only mum would enjoy a day of being pampered at a nice spa? Consider treating dad to a massage or facial at one of Auckland’s numerous spas, many of which offer packages specifically for men. It’s a perfect gift for all dads, especially the workaholics who often don’t often take the time to relax and indulge.
![spa day Spa Self-care dad](https://i0.wp.com/www.vervemagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/spa-day.jpg?fit=1000%2C1333&ssl=1)
5- A Personalised Hamper
This is the gift idea that is always there to rescue you if you happen to have left your gift buying to the last minute. It’s also a good idea for those not able to be with their fathers in person this year but still want to send a little something to make sure dad knows he’s remembered and appreciated. If you’ve got the time then be sure to bring together dad’s favourite snacks, drinks and maybe a bottle of perfume or a nice shirt in one neat basket.
![hamper Hamper Father's Day Gift](https://i0.wp.com/www.vervemagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/hamper.jpg?fit=1000%2C1500&ssl=1)