Valentine's Day came early for one Mount Maunganui couple who were surprised by Tauranga City Councillor Matt Cowley with an instant waterfront date.

David and Eileen Horton were sitting on The Strand taking in the harbour views when Matt undertook an impromptu romantic gesture, whisking in a dressed table, bottle of champagne and platter of nibbles courtesy of The Phoenix.

The couple, who have been married for 54 years, were also treated to show from musicians Josh Pow, Alice Sea and Julia Ghirardelli.

'It's just to help them celebrate falling in love in Tauranga,” says Matt, who dressed for the occasion in a black suit and bow tie.

Eileen says the surprise date is 'more romantic than a coffee at the coffee stall”.

Matt says the initiative is to help couples celebrate 'falling in love in Tauranga”.

SunLive photographer Tracy Hardy captured the date on camera.

Editor's Note: A temporary liquor licence for this area was obtained by councillor Matt Cowley for the occasion.