My Holidays: Heather Ashcroft

Heather Ashcroft, of Brunch Box. Photo / Supplied

Heather Ashcroft and her husband Chris Schulz run Brunch Box.

What was your greatest holiday?
We had an idyllic 24 hours in Paparoa at the end of last year. Incredible pastries from the town bakery, picturesque scenery, fantastic local hospitality and a cute pad out the back of the Paparoa Hotel. We put the kids to bed and went for dinner and a game of pool. A small and simple but perfectly formed mini-break.

And the worst? The holiday itself was great, but the flu I caught on the plane coming home was awful. It took a week in bed to recover.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?
I'll be horizontal, have my nose in a book, and have some delicious nibbles with a fancy drink handy.
Or swimming. Or I'll be checking out the local farmers market for brunch ingredients. Eat, swim, sleep, repeat. Bliss.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be?
Hands down New Plymouth, so many things to do, and loads of great food options: Public Catering, Social Kitchen, The Arizona, Monica's.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?
One day we'll make it to Europe, I've always thought the Greek islands look incredible.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling?
Leaving a set of car keys on the top of the car, then using the other set to drive off. Extremely lucky to eventually get them back, slightly crushed.

Aisle seat or window seat?Aisle. I'm tall, so it gives me a little extra leg room, and helps the plane claustrophobia.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ... snuggly socks and comfy pants. Long plane trips are not the time for high fashion wear.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given?
Since having children: Your fellow travellers are never going to see you again, so don't stress too much about the inevitable drama that comes with lugging two young ones with you.

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling?
My now-husband and I had a pre-wedding holiday in Rarotonga. We had a very early flight, skipped lunch because of the time difference, and after getting over the giddiness of being on an actual tropical island, we stumbled to the local steak house and gorged on New Zealand beef, baked potatoes and garlic bread. Nothing flashy, but it was nirvana.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?
Ideas. We aren't much for knick-knacks, but travelling is fantastic for food inspiration.

Favourite airport to land at?
Auckland. I love how Customs staff welcome you home, gives me a little rush of patriotism.

What's the next trip you've got planned?
We're going to lose the kids for a long weekend and head to Melbourne.