My holidays: Kate Cherry

Kate Cherry. Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday?
Going to Bali with my husband pre-9/11. We felt such incredible peace. There was water everywhere, which always fills me with joy. We stayed in a hotel where I could dive off the balcony, and later in a little villa surrounded by rice fields. The colours were deep and soothing. The people were amazing. We visited temples and saw theatre. My husband arranged everything. He was flush because he had just made a film, and we had never had a honeymoon. So he arranged the whole holiday as he knew I would love it, and I did.

And the worst?
I have never had a bad holiday. I don't take many, but I love having adventures.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?
Reading, walking or swimming.

What's your dream destination?
Kyoto. I have been looking at incredible imagery of Japan for Madame Butterfly. I know it has changed drastically since I was there. I would love to find the older, traditional parts of Japan, and see how much has survived in the 21st century.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling?
Gone without my family for more than three weeks. That's my limit for travelling without my 7-year-old.

What will you always have in your hand luggage?
My passport and red lipstick.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without a photo of my son and husband.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?
A beautiful doll from Japan. I bought it in Tokyo when I was 7, and I still have it.

Favourite airport to land at?
Wellington, because that's where my adventure begins with Madame Butterfly. I've never spent time in New Zealand, and I look forward to exploring the terrain, directing my favourite opera and visiting my friend, festival director Shelagh Magadza.

What's the next trip you've got planned?
New York. I love that city. It's inspiring, hectic, filled with brilliant artists, great theatre, opera, arts institutions and passionate people who always have an opinion. It is always different and always exciting. I am going there after directing - two adventures in a row, New Zealand and then New York. I will have to keep my packing under control, as I'll be away from home for over two months.

Kate Cherry directs the New Zealand Opera's Madame Butterfly, at Auckland's Aotea Centre from April 18-28.