My holidays: Toa Fraser

Toa Fraser could happily spend his holidays doing bombs into Lake Taupo at Bulli Point. Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday?

It wasn't a holiday, but I spent two months living in Pa'ia on the North Shore of Maui. I was on a Fulbright-Creative New Zealand writing fellowship and needed to write. Yoga teacher Nadia Toraman organised me some accommodation under her yoga studio. I swam, ran, ate well, did yoga and wrote into the night.

And the worst?

A skiiing holiday in Andorra just after Christmas, after I shot Dean Spanley. I had two weeks to get back to New Zealand. Could have gone anywhere in the world. Went to Andorra.

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

Probably writing notes in a little red notebook and drinking coffee.

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

The Milford Track is an amazing experience, but I could also do bombs at Bullies in Lake Taupo for a week.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?

I really love LA. I would be very happy hanging out in Venice Beach for a while.

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

Given a crooked Mt Kilimanjaro guide too much cash before firing him.

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

... gaffer tape and a V60 coffee filter.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given?

Learn your passport number off by heart.

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

I had a week off after finishing The Dead Lands in London before going to the Toronto Film Festival. I got sick. In the end, I had one day to buy a suit, get my hair cut etcetera, and I managed to do that and finally was feeling better and happened to be walking past St. John Bread and Wine in Spitalfields at opening time. I ate alone, had a simple green salad and a whole roasted quail. It was the perfect remedy.

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

A little penknife in Spain, when I was there for the Gijon Film Festival. I lost it this year when I forgot I left it in my pencil case and had to hand it in at airport security. Life is about letting go.

Favourite airport at which to land?

Any airport that's not LAX or JFK. Welcome to America! We've got the worst airports in the world.

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

LA for Oscar screenings for The Dead Lands. Waiheke Island for some sleep.

• Toa Fraser's play, Pure And Deep, the sequel to Bare, premieres at the Herald Theatre, Auckland from November 12 to 23. Bookings through Ticketmaster or phone (09) 970 9700. His movie The Dead Lands is in cinemas now.