The rugged terrain of our country has made it a favourite destination on The Amazing Race – and now, for the first time, Kiwis can also try their luck at the hit reality TV show.
The adventure series, which was made famous by New Zealand-born TV personality Phil Keoghan, is currently looking for contestants to go head-to-head against Aussies in the worldwide competition.
Applications for contenders are open until December 18, and former contestants, sisters Michelle and Jo Troy, say the show is the chance of a lifetime.
The New South Wales twins, who came third in the second season of the Australian series, say they can’t wait to see what the Kiwis have to offer against their transtasman rivals.
“The Aussies shouldn’t underestimate the Kiwis, they will be strong teams,” adds Michelle.
Getting selected is half the battle. Many people start the application process, but give up halfway through, intimidated by the idea of recording a one-three-minute video audition.
According to Jo and Michelle (both 28), the key to the video is not fancy camera work, but to be natural on screen.
“For ours, we planned to go down to our favourite beach at sunset and do a little dance, but we took too long doing our hair and make-up, so we ended up taping it at home,” says Jo.
“Just be yourself. They can tell if you’re acting! Try to have fun with it,” adds Michelle.
The cheerleaders were covered in mud while catching pigs in the Philippines, climbed a frozen waterfall in Canada, and carried a 30kg wheel of cheese through a market in Paris during their season of The Amazing Race Australia.
The pair say being able to get along with your teammates is the way to do well – and a little prep work is also a good idea.
“Learn how to drive a manual,” suggests Michelle.
“Build up a bit of fitness before the race because you need endurance. You don’t get much sleep,” adds Jo.
They were disappointed not to win, but both hope an all-female team will triumph in season three.
“No all-girl pair has won The Amazing Race Australia – but girl power all the way. Joey and I were always at the front of the pack. The only thing we struggled with were the strength challenges and driving,” says Michelle.
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