It only took one trip, back in 2002, for South Island New Zealand to steal my heart. It started as a poor man's overseas holiday from Melbourne after I'd exhausted my savings and creative money streams in the previous two years of world travel.

Queenstown was the perfect base from which to launch missions and adventures. Queenstowners as a rule have adventurous spirits — many good folks doing great things. When I got involved in setting up a new tourism business in town, it became home. So here I am … loving every minute of it!

Favourite thing to do on a Sunday?

If it dawns overcast and rainy, I get a rare sleep-in — until the baby wakes up, generally at about 8am. After that it's out the door to pick up some mates on the fly by to Halo Café to wait for the weather to clear. Strike bowling is a favourite on a rainy afternoon. If it dawns bluebird, I'm out the door early on a photography or outdoors mission; generally both.

How would you spend a long weekend?

Playing outdoors with my family and/or my mates and taking photos while we do it — the choices are endless and don't have to cost the earth.

What's your idea of a good night out?

After a day in the hills working up an appetite, my ultimate would be a gastronomic experience (see the 'Where the locals dine' list) involving Central Otago pinot noir, good food and a group of friends. It must finish with a visit to Patagonia Chocolates followed by relaxing into a drink or two at one of Queenstown's ridiculously large offering of bars. Sitting down for a nightcap in front of Barmuda's outdoor fireplace is worth singeing your eyebrows for.

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