My holidays: Pio Terei

Pio Terei favours coastal destinations where the fishing will be good. Photo / Supplied

Pio Terei shares his most memorable holiday moments.

What was your greatest holiday?

I went to Thailand about five years ago with my wife, Deb, and the kids. We decided to save up and go as far as we could afford the airfare and where it was not too expensive for the five of us to live. For me, it's about enjoying another culture. My son Jack had his 18th birthday on the plane. The boys appreciated how well off we are in this country. It was a big learning curve.

And the worst?

I can't think of a worst holiday because we are really positive travellers and we put a lot of research into where we are going. It's not just a stab in the dark.

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

Eating or fishing. Or both at the same time. We don't do fresh water destinations because you are only going to catch a trout or an eel. We are coasties, and you never know what you are going to get.

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

Stewart Island. I've been there five times and it's bloody amazing. It should be on every New Zealander's bucket list.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?

It has to be Croatia because my wife is Croatian and she's never been there.

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

I did an Intrepid Journey to India and on the last night I was having a drink and I put ice in my rum. I spent the next couple of days on the toilet which was pretty dumb as I was so careful before that.

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

Travel light, wear sensible clothing and good shoes.

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

I have had many a meal, but one that I'll always remember was a freshly slaughtered chicken on the Ganges River. We were travelling on four 15ft boats and there were live chickens stored on board. The chef was so good, he could create meals out of nothing.

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

I'm not much of a shopper. I bring back footage. For me, it's about the memories and creating history for my family.

Favourite airport to land at (other than home)?

Landing in Hong Kong at night is pretty cool.

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

I'm going to Bali for a conference.

Pio Terei hosts 'Te Araroa: Tales from the Trails', which screens on Maori Television, on Fridays at 8.30pm.