My holidays: Robbie Magasiva

Robbie Magasiva loves the drive to Milford Sound. Photo / Janna Dixon

What was your greatest holiday?

My kids and I hired a camper van and travelled half the South Island. It was pretty special as I hadn't seen the kids for a while because of work in Melbourne, so it was quality time while also showing them just how amazing this country is. We tend to forget that.

I wanted to show my son New Zealand before he took off around the world. The big question was, will a 17-year-old enjoy this or be on the phone? He was blown away. We started off at Christchurch, drove straight down the middle of the South Island, past the Lakes, then Milford Sound.

That drive to Milford Sound is outstanding. It's like something out of a movie. Every time I go back there it feels like the first time.

And the worst?

Sri Lanka. Not the country itself, it's just we planned late and travelled during the Christmas/New Year period. For me, it was very much spur-of-the-moment. We ended up doing it on the cheap and staying at cheap places. It was my first time travelling that way. Talk about an eye-opener.

We stayed at some shockers and that, for me, ruined my trip. Sri Lanka is definitely a country I want to go back to and do properly. The Sri Lanka we did enjoy was spectacular, but it's my worst trip because of where we stayed.

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

Well, I won't be reading. Everyone says, " ... with a good book", but I'm not one of those people. I'm either in the water, on the water, playing with my kids or with a beer in my hand.

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

I would do that camper van trip again, but this time I'd travel the West Coast.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?

On a boat, doing a surf safari with my friends in Bali.

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

Maybe not the dumbest, but recently in America I ordered coffee at the farmers' market at The Grove. I was looking through the coffee list and thought I ordered an iced coffee. The guy looks back and tells me I just ordered the filter for the coffee that comes with the coffee.

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

... a companion.

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

Wagyu that I had in Melbourne. It was so tender that it literally melted in the mouth. Served with mash.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?

When I came back from LA, I brought my nephew back a Despicable Me collectible minion, minion T-shirt, and minion goggles. His face just lit up.

Favourite airport at which to land?

Dubai and Heathrow aren't bad, but Auckland's still the best.

What's the next trip you've got planned?

I take my kids away every year. The next trip will be Hawaii.

Robbie Magasiva stars in Victor Rodger's At The Wake, running from November 25 to December 6 at the Herald Theatre, Auckland Live. Tickets from Ticketmaster. Phone: 0800 111 999.