Wizards of Oz: Colin Mathura-Jeffree - Shopping & Shows

Ester Hannaford who plays Ann Darrow performs with King Kong on stage during a 'King Kong'.

Colin Mathura-Jeffree (shopping and shows)

Colin Mathura-Jeffree is best known for being a judge on New Zealand's Next Top Model and New Zealand's Hottest Home Baker. He's also an actor, model and TV presenter with 20 years' experience in the fashion industry. "Oh, and people call me a socialite."

"My career was built on travel and what I learned was that every place is an experience. Open your eyes. The world really does show its secrets to you. That's what I love about travel."

Colin enjoys digging for hidden gems in new destinations, finding the best places for coffee and chancing on great bargains. He'll be sharing his discoveries through his blogs.

What triggered your passion for fashion and shows?

From a young age I enjoyed the concept of dress-ups - I think that happens when you have a glamorous mother. I'd sit in her wardrobe among sequinned dresses and play hide and seek as a 5-year-old. And, in my teenage years, I realised that how you look contributes to how someone interacts with you. And shows ... there's nothing more wonderful than being taken away from your life into another world.

Have you explored Australia before?

I have often stopped over in Australia but I have never stayed long. I'll be looking at it through open eyes.

What areas are you going to?

I'll be going to Brisbane and the Gold Coast and definitely to Melbourne.

Do you have favourite parts of Australia?

I have been to Sydney and Melbourne and last year I spent two weeks in Adelaide as part of a huge family reunion. I loved it, did lots of swimming, the huge markets are great, and went to the Barossa Valley.

What does Australia's shopping offer that is different to other countries?

Australia has a really solid fashion industry. And because of its geographic isolation it is not dictated to by Europe or the US. There is also the seasonal aspect; Australia is not a season behind, it's a season ahead. Because it a warm country, they use fabric that is body friendly, rather than lots of layers.

How do you prepare for this trip?

My preparation is not knowing what I will see but being open to what I'll appreciate.

What will you pack?

Because I intend to go shopping on this trip, I will pack only a few nice suits and some casual clothes, comfortable footwear, cologne and really good sunglasses.

What are you looking forward to most about this trip?

I just want to be wowed, to be experiencing life, learning about change, evolving.

What do you want to learn?

I want to learn where the locals go to get really good coffee, the best places to go bargain shopping, all the hidden gems.

IF YOU GO

Getting there: Fly there with Air New Zealand. Book now.

Find out more at: Australia.com.

Our advocates will travel to Australia with the assistance of Air New Zealand and the State Tourism Organisations. For more information see nzherald.co.nz/exploreshoppingandshows