My Holiday: Lorna Subritzky

Lorna Subritzky warms up in the Whitsundays.

What was your greatest holiday?

All holidays are welcome, but my favourite has to be the 2012 trip we took to Rarotonga. It's a special place for us: we got engaged there, discovered our surprise pregnancy there - and on this trip, we got married there with just our children and parents invited. Everything about that trip (and our wedding day) was perfect, down to the champagne-fuelled sunset and our wedding feast on the beach.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?

Reading! With juggling three children, two jobs and a household I name The Zoo, reading is a holiday luxury. This activity may or may not (read: "definitely will") be accompanied by a cocktail.

If we could teleport you anywhere in NZ for a week-long holiday, where would it be?

You wouldn't have to teleport me far. Waiheke Island would be my pick, with all the best New Zealand has to offer (beaches, baches, eateries and wineries) all in one stunning location. Actually, I'll turn down the teleporter offer, thanks - the ferry across the gorgeous Waitemata Harbour is all part of the fun.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?

I think a Mediterranean cruise is in my future. Problem is, my husband refuses to accompany me.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling?

Not taken my fanciest clothes to Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Kiwi smart casual doesn't cut it in a place where men wear three-piece suits and women stilettos to the beach. Still in Italy, it was also pretty dumb to think someone dressed as a porter at Rome's railway station was actually a porter. Fifty euro later and I got my luggage back. Manache!

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ...

My Kindle (you can take a library and read whatever takes your fancy); roaming data; a duty-free shopping list from my kids (to be fair, I can travel without that last one, I'm just not allowed to). And hair straighteners. Yes, I am that shallow.

What's your best travel tip?

Roll all your clothes for packing (I'm allergic to ironing). Game changer. And pack an extra foldup rollbag - invaluable for the holiday treasures and shopping I inevitably attract.

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling?

My first pizza in Rome was pretty special, but I think for sheer gobsmacking gastronomy, the standout has to be a 10-course degustation dinner with matched wines that I experienced last year at the Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. As decadent and debauched as it sounds.

What's the best thing you've brought home?

So many things to choose from: a positive pregnancy test, an engagement ring, a piece of coral one of the kids hid in their luggage which got us into huge trouble... winner has to be the long black leather coat I bought on Capri though. Still wearing it 14 years later.

Favourite airport to land at?

Queenstown. I'm not a great flyer, but that scenery makes even the most nervous passenger awestruck.

Lorna Subritzky hosts 'Coast Days' on the top-rated music station in New Zealand, Coast FM.