My holidays: Di Patterson

Di Patterson and her Antarctic friends.

Antarctic explorer Di Patterson is a host on Antarctica Flights, providing expert commentary and sharing her unique Antarctica experiences.

What was your greatest holiday? Well I would have to say my time in Antarctica - although technically it was work, it felt like a holiday. Working there was tough but it was amazing to experience a totally different continent, environment, way of life. Any excursion away from our base was a new challenge. Epic expeditions such as conducting a census of an emperor penguin colony or travelling by sled dog team 250km over the frozen sea ice around the coast of Antarctica. It took me eight years to realise my ambition to be the first woman in the world to be the leader of an Antarctic research station and I am so proud to share my passion for Antarctica with the passengers on Antarctica flights.

And the worst? Freezing in a tent, I dreamed of sitting on a beach, but when the dream became reality on one of my holidays I realised I was bored and started wondering what could be my next challenging holiday, that involved snow and ice.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing? Experiencing snow, ice and cross country skiing. It is most likely to be in Lapland, New Zealand or the Australian high country.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be? Great Barrier Island - bear in mind it will be my fourth visit.

How about for a dream holiday internationally? Iceland or Greenland in winter, staying in a remote community.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling? Travelled solo and booked myself into what I am sure was a brothel in Malaysia.

Aisle seat or window seat? Antarctic Flight have the right idea, they switch seats half way - either aisle or window, it doesn't matter: the stranger seated next to you becomes a new best friend as you share a truly amazing experience together. I also have a soft spot for a window seat on the right side when flying into Christchurch for the amazing views over the Southern Alps.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ... My new Bose headphones - even on short haul flights.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given? Take olive leaf extract a week or so before departure - a must to avoid the dreaded cold or flu when on holiday
What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling? Freeze-dried anything cooked in my tent, when it was minus 26C, after a day's travel with my dog team more than 40 km over the sea ice!

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip? Health and fitness.

Favourite airport to land at? Queenstown - arriving in a private jet with views from both sides.

What's the next trip you've got planned? Hosting an amazing Antarctic cruise with Captain's Choice, travelling to the Antarctic Peninsula from South America then, shortly after I return, hosting their stunning Antarctic flight from Melbourne.