The Best Ways to Celebrate Your Dad This Father's Day (or Any Day)

Let's just say it — although he might show unbridled joy at yet another pair of graphic socks delivered to him on Sunday morning, your dad is sick of it.

So why not switch it up this Father's Day, by treating your dad (or the dad figure in your life)  to a fantastic meal, or a hoon around the racing track? Here's what to do in Auckland and Wellington to celebrate your old man on Sunday, September 3, and for every weekend after it.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

We all know the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. And luckily, there's is no shortage of delicious, dad-certified dining deals to enjoy with your father figure on Sunday.

Slurp up some spaghetti at authentic Italian restaurant, Bossi, which is putting on a special set menu for Father's Day. The dish lineup includes the likes of a crab sorrentini with crab bisque, short rib lasagna and negroni cannolo.

Alternatively, tuck into a rack of Manuka-smoked Saint Louis pork ribs while soaking up the views of Auckland's Viaduct at rooftop bar Dr Rudi's. If your dad is more of a lamb shank kind of guy, head across the way to Saint Alice, which will serve up a Guinness-braised shank with all the trimmings. For every dish sold, Saint Alice will donate $1 to Big Buddy, a charity that matches young boys who may not have a father figure with a volunteer, who spends time with them every week.

If you're Wellington-based, don't worry, you've got plenty of tasty Father's Day treats to choose from as well. Hot Sauce Wellington is putting on a Dad's Day Yum Cha, where dads can eat dim sum and dumplings to their heart's (and stomach's) content.

At Wellington's Dirty Little Secret, dads can nab a burger and a beer for only $30, and go in for a chance to win a $50 food and drink voucher — if they can win Who's Your Daddy. To play, dads will have to successfully draw two cards showing a famous father and child match, with every match drawn winning a voucher.

WILL YOUR DAD BE THE FASTEST FATHER?

For something not so food-focused, how about letting your dad fulfill his dreams as a Formula 1 race car driver? Dads will be competing for the top honour of Fastest Father as they hoon around the track in a RiMO EVO6 go-kart at Lilyworld, in Mount Smart Stadium.

And this isn't just some fun little race — there are heats, qualifying rounds and a championship race, with the Fastest Father on the day choosing the prize of a double pass to the upcoming Foo Fighters concert or Post Malone.

LIVE A LIFE OF LUXURY FOR THE WEEKEND

If racing sounds a bit too fast and furious for your zen dad, he might appreciate a luxurious escape to Wharekauhau Country Estate in Palliser Bay, just out of Wellington. This hidden gem will be treating dads to a $155 three-course set lunch, with produce foraged from across the estate.

If your dad is wanting a little bit of adventure, book him a spot on Wharekauhau's ATV quad bikes, where he can explore the 3000-acre estate, which covers the black sand beach, rivers to zoom across and mud to (not) get bogged down in.

Images: Supplied.