A LIFE IN TRAVEL
The TVNZ host shares her favourite holiday memories
What do you miss most about trave?
My husband and I took our preschooler on a roundthe-world trip while I was 24 weeks pregnant in 2019, so it’s safe to say I’ve had my fill of overseas adventuring for at least a couple of years. I do however, miss the excitement of exploring somewhere new.
What are your strongest memories from the first overseas trip you ever took?
Our family flew to the Gold Coast in 1999. It was quite trendy for people who wanted an overseas break to do at that time. I remember visiting every theme park there was. Travelling 135km/h in freefall on the Giant Drop at Dreamworld was a sight to behold.
What was a standard family holiday like when growing up?
Most school holidays were spent in Dunedin and Mosgiel, where my cousins and grandparents lived and my uncle owned a toy shop (talk about all my Christmases coming at once!)
Who has most inspired your travels?
Maybe not who, but what. When I was little we had a huge world map on our wall and I used to dream about all the places I’d go. Top of my list was Disneyland. My dad used to promise (while smirking) that he’d take me there the next birthday and then the next. In the end, it was left to my husband to take me as an adult. No hard feelings Dad . . .
What is the greatest trip you’ve ever been on?
I’ve no idea who came up with the idea. Can’t have been me as I hate deep water, or my husband, who hates camping. Anyway, in 2014 we kayaked Abel Tasman. The holidaymakers were gone, the weather was perfect and some of the bays we pitched our tent couldn’t be accessed by foot.
And the worst?
Not the worst, but definitely an experience. We decided to travel around Northland a few summers ago. Unfortunately, it rained heavily the entire time, so we couldn’t fully enjoy the scenery on offer. We’ll get back there one day with the sun shining.
What’s your approach to packing for a big trip?
I used to cram as much as I could into a 25kg suitcase. Now 23 of those kilos are allocated to kids’ paraphernalia. So I’d say for me, minimalistic!
What’s the destination that most
.. Photo / Supplied
surprised you, good or bad?
The glacial lakes, rolling hills and the rich history of the Lake District in the UK. I loved seeing the house where Beatrix Potter wrote some of her most famous books.
What was your most memorable sunrise or sunset?
There’s nothing quite like watching the sun go down over a beach on a tropical island — I’ve been lucky enough to do that in Thailand and Hawaii.
What do you miss most about home when you travel?
My bed and my backyard. Nothing beats home comforts . . .
Where is the one destination you must see in your lifetime?
I’d love to see a bit more of Ireland, where my husband grew up. It would be great to give my kids an insight into their heritage.
What is your favourite thing about travel?
The unknown. Few things are more rewarding than waking up in a new place for the first time and going exploring.