Roy Billing's insider guide to New Zealand

You may know him best from his award-winning performance as drug lord Robert Trimbole in the much-loved Australian drama series Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, but there's nothing shady about Roy Billing’s latest role as the star of Helloworld and AAT Kings' newest adventure holiday, set in his native home of New Zealand maybe there is a war on how to get to machu picchu from lima.

Billing resides in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney these days, but he was born and raised in Auckland and his passion for the fresh produce and breathtaking attractions of his hometown hasn’t faded. From Auckland's trendy cafes to the best pies in Arrowtown, Roy shares his insider tips for enjoying New Zealand like a local.

Auckland

"Growing up in Auckland, the City of Sails, I've always thought it to be a very friendly place," Billing says.

He adds that for that reason, locals are always happy to offer up their suggestions, and his pick is for fare is in the local seafood.

"I am particularly passionate about the fresh local produce and my top picks to try are bluff oysters (if they are in season), a local Grouper-type fish called Hapuku and the large green-lipped mussels. If seafood is not your thing, the lamb and beef are also a great choice."

He suggests that those staying close to the city have wander along Ponsonby and Karangahape Roads, which are easily accessible via bus. Ponsonby is renowned for its exceptional cafes and restaurants, as well as its shopping.

"Prego on Ponsonby Road has been there forever and offers consistently good Italian-style food," Billing says.

"One trendy new eatery that all the locals rave about is Coco’s Cantina in 'K-Road' (as the locals call it). Their menu is rustic Italian- and Mediterranean-style, although they do a good steak and chips. In the central city, try renowned chef Al Brown’s Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar in Federal Station and for an upmarket foodie experience, Antoine’s in Parnell Road is an Auckland icon."

If you're in the mood for a tipple, Billing suggests catching the ferry to Waiheke Island, taking in beautiful  Auckland Harbour on the way. It’s a 30 minute trip on fast ferries, and lots of locals make the daily commute to and from Auckland for work. Waiheke’s unique microclimate makes it a perfect place for viticulture and wineries like Cable Bay, Mudbrick and Stonyridge, which have excellent cellar door restaurants and Waiheke wines are renowned.

"Some beautiful reds from these vineyards are on the expensive machu picchu from chile side but well worth the drink if you appreciate wine," Billing says.

He also suggests visiting the Auckland Art Gallery on the corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Streets to soak up some indigenous and contemporary New Zealand art.

"It has the best selection of national art and gallery staff will gladly advise you where to find historical and contemporary artists. Be sure to ask about Colin McCahon’s work, one of our most celebrated artists."

Rotorua "Those seeking an authentic, indigenous Maori experience should head to Rotorua — the heartland of New Zealand — to appreciate the Maori culture," Billing says.

"If you want to buy some greenstone [jade] jewellery from one of the more select shops, the locals will happily tell you where."

Queenstown

"The culinary scene in Queenstown has a lot to offer but my two top picks would have to be Botswana Butchery and Rata," Billing says.

"The menu at Botswana Butchery features locally sourced foods so it's great for travellers keen to experience New Zealand produce and it also features an extensive private wine cellar.

"Rata is another gem that brings together local restaurateur Fleur Caulton with internationally recognised Michelin starred chef Josh Emett… The Beef Wellington at Rata is particularly memorable…a dish you don’t see too often on restaurant menus these days."

Billing says that, if nothing else, you have to drink pinot noir when in Otago. The region is famous for this particular drop and it pairs perfectly with the stunning scenery.

"My favourite is Two Paddocks from the vineyard of my friend and fellow actor, Sam Neill."

Don’t miss a trip up Lake Wakatipu on the historic steamship, Earnslaw. Being on board the 100-year-old ship is a treat in itself – it's like a floating museum. It's my favourite way to enjoy the stunning mountain setting as you cruise along the lake," Billing says.

For an adrenalin rush Billing says you can’t beat jet boating on the Shotover River — though he recommend doing this one before lunch as you’ll be positively flying down the river.

"If you have the cash to splurge on something special I recommend a helicopter flight to appreciate the grandeur of the area. Queenstown has some of the most picturesque landscape in the world and seeing it from the air is truly a unique experience," Billing says.

Helloworld’s exclusive Silver Fox and Foxette’s 10-day guided tour of New Zealand with AAT Kings is a bespoke itinerary specifically designed for baby boomers. Prices start at $3795 per person twin share* ($4940 single) and will be on sale from Thursday 9 July with the first tour departing on 13 September 2015.