25+ ideas for Father's Day in Whitianga

Time to relax Dad

If the ‘father’ in your life is known for not slowing down and always has a few ‘jobs’ to do, then why not plan a mini vacation in Whitianga or close by so he can enjoy being pampered this Father’s Day. If you call the Mercury Bay home, then explore a local destination that you haven’t really explored. Perhaps you live in Hahei, why not head to Kuaotunu for a night or two? A walk along the beach, or over the Blackjack Road to Otama or Opito, a spot of fishing, followed by a pizza and sunset at Luke’s Kitchen. It’s a great time of year to take a peak at a different location and see what it’s all about. Plan your mini vacation using our explore and accommodation pages for help.

It might be time to take one for the team and sit through one of Dad’s favourite movies. Add a bit of interest, and screen it in the backyard on a big screen or while sitting in the spa pool. If you’d like a night out, check the schedule at the cinema and treat Dad to a beer and popcorn in a comfy seat!

This Father’s day coincides with the American Muscle, Street & Custom Car Club ‘Cars & Coffee’ Sunday. So take Dad out to breakfast and then check out the cars that meet at Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill at about 11am.

Foodie Father

If food is on the menu for your Pop, then it’s easy to plan something special. There’s loads of breakfast, lunch and dinner options available around town. If you and/ or the kids are going to do the cooking, grab some special ingredients from Well Stocked Deli or the Whitianga Butchery. Try out a dish from our recipes area perhaps. If you want something simple, light the BBQ, the outdoor fire or even try a campfire on the lawn and roast some marshmallows and pop them between some chocolate biscuits.

Thoughtful times

Father’s Day can just be about memories, creating them or reminiscing. Take a look back and spend some time talking about the family tree, capturing those stories on video or audio. Play ‘remember when’ and take turns to reminisce about family times, holidays and events. If you’ve captured some memories on camera, why not turn them into a canvas for the wall or a jigsaw puzzle?

Or if music is your thing, why not compile a special 'Dad' playlist, with his favourite songs or those that are special to you and your family.

Those that have Dad’s with refined tastes, a home hosted wine or beer tasting might be more the thing, or a bit of pampering at the Lost Spring?

Active Dads

For the sporty Dad who’s maybe a bit competitive, take him fishing at the beach or wharf, or head off for a round of golf or mini golf, a skateboard competition at the skatepark, some one on one basketball at the hoop, a family bike ride, workout in the garage or hike even?

Why not tackle a task together, whether that's just a job that needs to be done, planting something in the garden or a new exciting project, there's nothing like a good chat and bonding while working together with a Dad. 

If you’ve got a father that just likes spending time with the kids, try hut building (Dad’s always have great ideas!) or organise a scavenger hunt for Dad, a homemade obstacle course or maybe even a road trip with no destination - just pull directions out of a hat every 5 minutes and see where you end up!

More Father’s Day Inspiration

This is just a start, so hopefully you’ll feel a bit inspired to think of something special for Dad this Father’s Day. If you are still really stuck, you can head for some more ideas from our Mother’s Day list - there’s lots of interchangeable ideas there too.

It’s not all about gifts and activities and sometimes a few words or a hug is all that’s needed. Here’s a few of my favourite lines for Father’s Day cards that I’d thought I'd share.

• Gouda. Mozzarella. Brie. Sorry this card is so cheesy, but I really love you, Dad!
• Dad, you may not know everything, but you sure had me fooled for a while
• I wouldn’t trade you for anything, Dad. I mean, nobody’s offered me anything, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t!
• We might not always see eye to eye, but we always see heart to heart.
• You did great, I turned out perfect!
• World’s greatest farter … I mean father
• Dear dad, Thank you for always saying yes when mom said no
• Happy Father’s Day to one of my favourite parents.