The Northern Express Herald

The many faces of Rachel Hunter

Herald online

Rachel Hunter throughout the ages.

Rachel Hunter's new series Tour of Beauty kicks off tonight on TV One and to mark the occasion, we've taken a tour of beauty through the archives of our own homegrown model.

The show follows Hunter as she investigates that eternal quest - how to stay young and healthy for as long as possible.

Although she looks fantastic at 45, here are a few flashbacks to the halcyon days of her early fame.

Tip Top Trumpet ad - 1985

Rachel Hunter in her famous Tip Top Trumpet ad. Photo / Supplied

This advertisement for Tip Top's Trumpet ice cream was 15-year-old Rachel Hunter's first modelling job - and her TV ad for the sweet treat launched her career.

Benson & Hedges Fashion Awards 1986

Rachel Hunter appears in the Benson and Hedges Fashion Awards in 1986. Photo / TVNZ

At the age of 16, Rachel Hunter modeled in the Benson and Hedges 1986 Fashion Design Awards at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.

Top Half - 1986

Rachel Hunter appears on a Top Half report. Photo / TVNZ

In this news segment from Top Half, Karen Sims reports on 16-year-old Hunter being offered a top modelling contract.

Rachel Hunter appears on Top Half in 1986. Photo / TVNZ

Eyewitness News - 1987

Rachel Hunter in a Eyewitness News clip from the time she was first signed to the Ford Modelling Agency. Photo / TVNZ

Eyewitness News reports on 17-year-old Hunter being signed to the prestigious Ford Modelling Agency in New York City.

Stringfellows Halloween dinner - 1990

Rachel Hunter with Rod Stewart, prior to their marriage. Photo / AP

In this picture, Hunter appears with her soon-to-be hubby Rod Stewart, after a Halloween party dinner at Stringfellows in New York City in 1990.

Pantene commercial - 1991

Rachel Hunter appears in an advertisement for Pantene Mousse.

Rachel Hunter proves it takes a lot of mousse to get hair that big.

Vogel's bread commercial - 1992

Rachel Hunter appears a television advertisement for Vogel's bread in 1992.

You probably wouldn't see a model endorsing carbs today, but here's Hunter with a loaf of delicious Vogel's bread.

Holmes - 1994

Rachel Hunter on the Holmes show in 1995. Photo / TVNZ

Paul Holmes interviews Hunter - now a veteran model - about her support of New Zealand's Women's Refuge.

Derby Day - 1996

Rachel Hunter gives her then-husband Rod Stewart a kiss from his wife. Photo / AP

Rod Stewart gets a kiss from his then-wife Rachel Hunter at the traditional Derby Day meeting at Epsom racecourse, southeast of London. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were also amongst the racegoers.

The Real Gilligan's Island - 2005

Rachel Hunter and the cast of The Real Gilligan's Island. Photo / Supplied

Don't think we've forgotten Hunter's early foray into reality TV - her appearance on The Real Gilligan's Island was memorable, despite the girl from Glenfield not making it to the final.

Intrepid Journeys - 2012

Rachel Hunter on her Intrepid Journeys episode. Photo / Supplied

In an episode of Intrepid Journeys, Hunter travelled with Sumatran locals from the once devastated region of Bandeh.

New Zealand's Got Talent - 2012

Rachel Hunter appears as a judge on New Zealand's Got Talent alongside Jason Kerrison (L) and Ali Campbell. Photo / Supplied

In 2012, Hunter tried her hand at judging when she signed on for New Zealand's Got Talent alongside Jason Kerrison and Ali Williams.

Vogel's Cafe launch - 2014

Rachel Hunter holds her favourite Vogel's Toast of NZ meal during the launch of the Vogel's Cafe. Photo / Greg Bowker

Proving she still loves toast, Hunter appeared on a promotional tour for Vogel's Cafe.

Sunday - 2015

Rachel Hunter appears on TVNZ's Sunday programme to talk about her new show. Photo / Supplied

A still from Rachel Hunter's Tour of Beauty. Photo / Supplied

Most recently, Hunter appeared on TV One's Sunday program to discuss her new show, Rachel Hunter's Tour of Beauty.

• To see more of Rachel Hunter from the archives, check out TVNZ.

- nzherald.co.nz