My holidays: Stephan Gilberg

Stephan Gilberg, in Memphis.

German-born Kiwi Stephan Gilberg joins Big Daddy Wilson on his New Zealand tour, appearing at the Tauranga Arts Festival on October 28 and in Auckland on November 4.

What was your greatest holiday? Last summer we had a dream holiday. My partner and I took eight months off work and travelled with our campervan around the South Island, including Stewart Island. We took lots of time, cruising wherever the forecast promised the best weather and enjoyed the outdoors - tramping and kayaking. We took our dog, Phoebe, so there was always something to explore and to enjoy, walks to take and sticks to throw. We are so lucky to live in such an amazing place. Melanie had never been to Milford Sound or Stewart Island. Those were definitely highlights of our trip.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing? Taking a walk on a beach, kayaking, cooking up something simple and delicious in the camper parked up somewhere with a million-dollar view.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be? Stewart Island. Such a cool and beautiful place.

How about for a dream holiday internationally? Tibet has been a dream for a long time.

Japan maybe, because I'm curious about the different cultural experience. South America, Chile? Canada's West Coast? Oh, so many places to go ...

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling? Got the kayak stuck in a fallen willow tree on a river edge; borrowed a chainsaw from a farmer to cut it free. It was pretty dangerous standing chest deep in the freezing current with a running chainsaw.

Aisle seat or window seat? Window, any day. I love flying and seeing what's down there.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ... my camera. I love photography.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given? Let the good times roll!

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling? Raw scallops straight from the shell on a fishing trip in Golden Bay. At first I thought the guy who took us fishing was having me on, but they are so nice fresh and raw I couldn't stop. Yum!

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip? Memories and new friendships. No contest.

Favourite airport to land at?
Nelson. My adopted home.

What's the next trip you've got planned? Kaikoura, when the highway is back open.

Tour details at sgblues.com/tours; festival programme at taurangafestival.co.nz