There’s nothing better than the great Kiwi summer!
Days spent lazing between sand and surf – making sure to slip, slop, slap and wrap, of course.
In the spirit of the season, we asked some of our favourite faces to reveal their secrets to having a heart-warming summer.
**Simon Barnett
More FM radio presenter**
Favourite summer tipple?
There is nothing nicer than cooking on the barbecue in the warmth of the summer sun, having my family around me laughing and chatting about life, and having a glass of red wine, preferably a Central Otago pinot. My choice would be Sam Neill’s Two Paddocks – the guy was good in Jurassic Park, but is insanely good at making red wine!
Favourite summer food?
Patagonia ice cream in Queenstown. There is a flavour called Tramontana – caramel/chocolate. Honestly, it should be illegal. It’s probably fattening as, but some things are worth getting cellulite for.
What will you be reading?
I’m hoping my wife Jodi has picked up on all my hints to buy me Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography Born to Run. He wrote every word himself and it’s had terrific reviews.
Ultimate summer activity?
The opportunity to go for long walks along the lake with my wife and just chat. I absolutely relish having time with her. We talk, we dream, we laugh, we hope and most importantly, we love being together.
Best-ever accessory?
My cap. My family believes I have a funny-shaped head and there is only one cap in the world that seems to suit it. It’s made of canvas and is in army camo. My wife loathes it but agrees any other cap makes me look like an egg with ears.
Tune for the summer?
Justin Bieber’s Purpose. There are so many great songs on that album. I interviewed him this year and of all the stars I chatted to in 2016 (Oprah, Coldplay, Sam Smith, Ricky Martin), he surprised me the most. He was polite, engaging, respectful, intelligent and very thoughtful. My daughter says he’s going to be my son-in-law soon!
**Ali Pugh
TVNZ reporter**
Favourite summer tipple?
Ginger beer or apple cider.
Favourite summer food?
Have to go with fish ‘n’ chips for a treat meal!
What will you be reading?
I’m really behind in my reading, but I’d love to read Brendon McCullum’s book Declared.
Ultimate summer activity?
I love the beach, but with a little one this year, I’d say we’ll be spending more time in the backyard just relaxing by a paddling pool.
Best-ever accessory?
A big floppy sunhat to throw on, plus sunscreen!
Tune for the summer?
Six60 – White Lines.
**Michael Galvin
Shortland Street actor**
Favourite summer tipple?
What could be more refreshing than a cold Kiwi lager? Mac’s Gold is my go-to. I’m not into all these boutique, hoppy beers. They all taste a bit like Marmite to me.
Favourite summer food?
Mr Whippy ice creams, especially if I’m with my 10-year-old daughter.
Best-ever accessory?
My most popular summer accessory at the moment is a water bazooka from Mitre 10. The so-called water “canon” (also from Mitre 10, in case you want one) is totally out-blasted by it, in both its range and power.
Ultimate summer activity?
Falling asleep in the sun. Once you’re asleep, of course, you could be anywhere, but those minutes while you’re drifting off are pure bliss.
Tune for the summer?
My all-time favourite summer tune is anything by David Bowie. I love David Bowie. I even like the Tin Machine albums – that’s how much I love David Bowie.
**Carly Flynn
RadioLIVE Saturday Fresh Host**
Favourite summer tipple?
I’m currently eight months pregnant, so am sticking to sparkling water, but come the end of February, I’ll be back to Pimm’s, mojitos and rosé.
Favourite summer food?
Freshly caught fish made into kokoda [a Fijian dish similar to ceviche].
What will you be reading?
I have so many books stacked beside the bed – from Healthy Eating for Kids to Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance and the latest Lee Child. I just need to work on not falling asleep two pages in.
Ultimate summer activity?
Camp and beach. Always.
Best-ever accessory?
I’m forever searching for the perfect beach umbrella that gives us the right amount of shade to stay at the beach as long as possible, and doesn’t blow away! Good sunscreen, hats and, this summer, a ginormous kaftan.
Tune for the summer?
Having just been to an outstanding Coldplay concert, I’m loving anything by them right now.
**Tony Murrell
Kiwi Living co-host**
Favourite summer tipple?
I’m looking forward to trying Epic Coffee & Fig Stout!
Favourite summer food?
Salads with all the lovely fresh summer produce and my favourite miso or sesame dressings. Anything that can be prepared in 30 minutes ticks a lot of boxes for me.
Ultimate summer activity?
I ride my bike. I also love early mornings and evening walks after dinner, leaning over people’s fences, looking at their summer gardens, and hopefully having a chat along the way.
Best-ever accessory?
Very loose shorts and my huge hat. Oh, and a sarong – they are the best!
**Mark Dye
Newstalk ZB announcer**
Favourite summer tipple?
Hendrick’s Gin and tonic. Although, I am not fussy – I will drink anything cold when it is hot.
0Favourite summer food?
Chips and dip. And I am talking your Nestlé Reduced Cream and Maggi Onion Soup style. I mean, there isn’t any rule about not being able to eat these in winter, but they are definitely more a summer thing.
What will you be reading?
After I’ve read Kerre McIvor’s award-winning book Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner, I’m going to read Confessions of an Economic Hitman.
Ultimate summer activity?
Stuff all, really. Sleep, swim, eat and drink. Be sloth-like. Although, once a summer, I am a big fan of digging out the creek near where my mum and dad have a beach house. The water builds up behind the dunes and each summer, I dig a small moat and after a bit of time, it’s a roaring rapid!
**Sally Martin
1Shortland Street actress**
Favourite summer tipple?
Rosé and classic margaritas.
Favourite summer food?
Seafood! Always. Paua fritters and whitebait and crayfish. Cherries are a very close second. I am actually bottomless when it comes to those little jewels.
What will you be reading?
I usually have my nose in a food magazine. This year, I have a couple of books on recommendation and loan from [co-star] Ria [Vandervis]. I’m starting with The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
Ultimate summer activity?
2Swim in the ocean. Barbecue with friends. Anything involving sun on my skin.
**Lorna Subritzky
Coast radio announcer**
Favourite summer tipple?
A tough choice between a crisp New Zealand rosé or a limoncello over ice. I’d have to pick the latter, though – it spirits me back to my first taste of the lemon liqueur in Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
What will you be reading?
The Last Letter from local author Kirsten McKenzie. It’s the sequel to her debut novel Fifteen Postcards, which I devoured last summer.
3Ultimate summer activity?
A day trip to Tawharanui beach is hard to beat – topped only by a week on Waiheke Island.
Best-ever accessory?
My favourite Havaianas teamed with a good pedicure.
Tune for the summer?
California from Phantom Planet. It reminds me of epic summer road trips back in the day.
**Ryan Bridge
4RadioLIVE Drive host for summer**
Favourite summer tipple?
Gin, soda, lemon. And a bit of sugar if I’m feeling sassy.
Favourite summer food?
KFC Celebration Mega Bucket. Fifteen pieces of chicken, gravy, a packet of Tim Tams… Fifteen pieces – how many whole chickens is that?
What will you be reading?
A guy called Gary Donaldson wrote a book called The First Modern Campaign: Kennedy, Nixon, and the Election of 1960. It’s been sitting in my drawer for about six months and I’m keen to get through it. I’m also really enjoying a new Auckland mag, Paperboy, which is full of interesting things to do and see around the city. There are even some pretty cool articles from The New York Times in there.
Best-ever accessory?
5You don’t really need anything during summer, except shorts. That’s the beauty of summer – you can literally walk round with one item of clothing on and nobody bats an eyelid.
Tune for the summer?
A new one for this season – Roam by Theia. She’s a rising Kiwi star and it’s a great tune with a sexy hook.
**Mike Puru
TV Personality**
Favourite summer tipple?
Hendrick’s Gin and tonic.
6Favourite summer food?
Anything on the barbecue, particularly lamb chops with a bit of mint sauce and asparagus.
Ultimate summer activity?
Going to a cricket match at Eden Park. Also a lazy Sunday afternoon in the sun with mates at a random outdoor beer garden.
Best-ever accessory?
My flip flops and sunglasses. I can’t stand squinting or walking in bare feet unless it’s on a tropical island – I have sensitive soles.
Tune for the summer?
So many I make it easy and usually just listen to George FM for the perfect summer vibe.
7
**Mark Leishman
Magic announcer**
Favourite summer tipple?
An ice-cold Asahi or Peroni beer. Or if I’m feeling like a summer refresher, there is The Gunner. It’s a drink my wife Jo and I discovered in Hong Kong. It’s virtually non-alcoholic. It’s made up of 175ml ginger ale, 175ml ginger beer, a generous dash (30ml) lime cordial and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. Add mint leaves and lemon and lime wedges and heaps of ice, and you’ve got a super summer drink.
Ultimate summer activity?
Apart from anything in boats, it’s cruising in my ’66 Mustang convertible. It’s 50 years old this year, can take five people and we’ve discovered it is the best place to have great conversations, whether it’s with family or friends, as you cruise along playing the magic hits of 1966.
Best-ever accessory?
8My Moscot Lemtosh sunnies with green lenses.
Tune for the summer?
Summer (The First Time) by Bobby Goldsboro or All Summer Long by Kid Rock.
**Sharyn Casey
Co-host of Jono, Ben & Sharyn on The Edge**
Favourite summer food?
BBQ burgers! Al brown meat patties or home made with your fave condiments and ingredients – Best Foods mayo is compulsory!
9What will you be reading?
Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls has a new book, Talking As Fast As I Can.
Ultimate summer activity?
Sleep in, hangout with friends and read as many books as I possibly can, I read a book every two days
Best-ever accessory?
My Adidas scuffs, although the cool kids are calling them slides – they’re called scuffs people!
Tune for the summer?
This year it would be Kings of Leon’s entire new album, PNC – Sonny Bill 04, and Little Mix – Power.
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