Ricki-Lee Coulter says her favourite destination will always be New Zealand

Every great New Zealand adventure starts in Queenstown.

Singer Ricki-Lee Coulter was born in New Zealand. Picture: Supplied

When I go on holiday, I really like to pack a lot of stuff in there.

I was born in New Zealand and always like to go back to my roots. New Zealand is very close to my heart and it’s always been a huge part of my life.

My favourite holiday was in 2018. [Husband] Rich and I started our journey in Queenstown. We went whitewater rafting which was amazing and terrifying at the same time. I’ve did the bungy, jumping off between two mountains which was really fun. I also did the Shotover Canyon Swing which is a freefalling swing ride over sheer river canyon walls which was terrifying but amazing. As an adult you don’t really jump on a swing very often at the park but this was definitely next-level swing action. We also did the Shotover Jet which is an awesome extreme boat ride through the Shotover river canyons. It got so close to the ginormous mountain – it was so much fun!

Queenstown is the perfect place to kick off a NZ holiday. Picture: Getty Images

But it’s not all about extreme action.

In Queenstown, it’s really nice to just go for a beautiful walk around the lake, maybe drop into Fergbaker for a pastry, which is my favourite. We flew my mother-in-law over for a few days once we had done all the crazy stuff. We went for drives to Glenorchy and Arrowtown, just beautiful. I also really loved going on a boat on Lake Wakatipu over to Walter Peak. We did a farm tour there as well. It was one of the most glorious sunsets I’ve ever seen. Jack’s Point is amazing, too. It’s a golf course at the foot of The Remarkables and close to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. There’s a clubhouse with really good food. I love going for lunch there.

That was just Queenstown, our next stop was Wanaka. In New Zealand the scenery is so beautiful. I just think being surrounded by so much beauty is always inspiring. It feels like you’re in a movie while you’re travelling around the country. I went horseback riding and we also went atop Mount Aspiring and had a cheeky wine and some cheese, that was really fun. Another highlight was a vintage flight experience on a plane used in World War II, a propeller plane. I was so nervous but obviously the pilots are amazing at what they do. It’s a very different way of seeing the world and very different way of flying than we’re used to. Of course, there was incredible Marlborough wines to sample and always great food, I’m a sucker for lamb in New Zealand.

Marlborough is famous for food and wine - don't miss the lamb. Picture: Getty Images

Next stop was the North Island, straight to Hobbiton because I’m a massive Lord of the Rings fan. We were so excited to go and actually see it in person. Then next we went to Napier and made our way to stay at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, which is just stunning. The lodge is right on the edge of the rugged cliffs, and they can they take you out and show you all the gannets, it’s the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Staying there was an incredible way to end the trip. My final highlight was heading to Hastings and sitting down to old school fish and chips wrapped in newspaper. I don’t think people know this, but New Zealand is very, very, very, good at fish and chips. It was an awesome way to end the trip.

I’m actually currently planning a trip back to New Zealand as soon as I finish filming Australia’s Got Talent. I would like to check out Huka Lodge and Blanket Bay. I do feel a sense of home when I when I go back even though Australia is my home. There’s just something about the people and the culture and that really makes me feel at home.

Cape Kidnappers is a stunning spot near Napier. Picture: Getty Images

I have a new role as a ‘Secret (Travel) Agent’ to remind the world what is unique and unmissable about Aotearoa New Zealand. As I was born there, I’ve been a secret travel agent spreading the good word for New Zealand since the ripe old age of three months old, when we moved to Australia. Every time I post a picture of New Zealand on social media, everyone wants to know where it is. And everyone has their own stories of where they’ve been or how they had the best holiday they’ve ever had. New Zealand is one of those places that is like a magnet for people.

To become a Secret (Travel) Agent, sign up here.

See also:

The coolest way to see New Zealand

7 best new things to do on New Zealand’s South Island in 2023

7 best new things to do on New Zealand's North Island in 2023

Air New Zealand's Skycouch or Premium Economy: Which is better?

Originally published as Ricki-Lee Coulter says her favourite destination will always be New Zealand