What the ex-bachelorette's have to say to the new bachelor

As you're reading this, another gaggle of Kiwi women are currently in the midst of filming their battle for the heart of a new Bachelor.

And if previous Bachelorettes are to be believed, they will be experiencing one heck of an emotional rollercoaster. So what advice do those who have already braved the rose ceremonies have for these newbies?

Stars from the first two seasons of The Bachelor NZ share their regrets from their own experience, as well as words of wisdom for the Bachelor and the women competing for his affections.

Chrystal Chenery

Self-proclaimed "Bitchelorette" who finished in the top five in season one. (And in a "New Zealand is too small" moment, had also previously dated the Bachelor from season two of the show, Jordan Mauger.)

What was the best part of your experience on The Bachelor NZ?

The friends I made - the girls are awesome. Also being asked to do Dancing with the Stars. I enjoyed that show so much, I was so lucky.

Do you have any regrets from filming the show?

I have no regrets. I learnt so much about myself. And the experience is so weird. You're in for a ride on reality TV, ladies.

What advice do you have for new Bachelor, Zac Franich?

Be authentic. Be yourself, say the first thing that comes to mind and enjoy it.

What advice do you have for the Bachelorettes of 2017?

Don't drink too much. Be yourself. If you think something, say it, and have fun. And from the wise Coco Chanel: "Don't be like the rest of them, darling."

Chenery is currently in a relationship with high profile real estate agent Ricky Cave and is proud mother to Bruce-Lee the French bulldog.

Shari Flavall

Made the top 10 of season two of the show after being gifted a diamond necklace by Bachelor Jordan Mauger during their single date. Easily one of the funnier Bachelorettes to grace the rose ceremonies.

What was the best part of your experience on The Bachelor NZ?

Tough question, I loved it all! It was like a big holiday with your friends. No stresses, apart from trying to talk to Jordan at the cocktail parties and listening to Mike [Puru] read out the date cards.

Do you have any regrets from filming the show?

I have no regrets. Even though I didn’t "win" Jordan, I won friends for life!

What advice do you have for new Bachelor, Zac Franich?

Zac, follow your heart and no-one else's! I can just imagine the producers will be in your ears, but this is your show, you make the rules.

What advice do you have for the Bachelorettes of 2017?

Bachelorettes, have fun! Let's be honest, your chances of winning are slim, so just enjoy the ride. Don't overthink things like not getting a date for months or always being picked last. If you’re meant to be together, you will be!

Flavall dated The Block NZ winner Sam Cable for a short time last year. She's also since auctioned off her diamond necklace from Mauger in a fundraiser for the Foster Hope charity.

Alysha Brown

Finished in the top three in season one. (Yes, that meant being in infamous "overnight date" territory with Art Green, but nothing happened, people!)

What was the best part of your experience on The Bachelor NZ?

The best part of my experience on the show would have to be the girls. Those girls became my core group of friends when I moved to Auckland. They were the only ones to reach out to that truly understood what we were going through post-show. The hype and the buzz surrounding it was not expected and overwhelming at times.

My favourite experience in terms of the dates would have to be the vineyard in Blenheim and blending/bottling my own wine.

Do you have any regrets from filming the show?

I don't have a single regret. I took an opportunity and had the most amazing experience that threw surprises my way every day. I walked away with my head held high, knowing that I had conducted myself in a way that wouldn't disappoint my family or friends.

What advice do you have for new Bachelor, Zac Franich?

He seems to have a good head on his shoulders and looking at the past two seasons this could go either of two ways for him. He'll walk away with a woman he wants to spend time with or with his head hung low and in hiding. It is important that everyone is respected, whether they are chosen or not. Emotions are involved and can be easily hurt in this environment.

What advice do you have for the Bachelorettes of 2017?

Conduct yourself appropriately. You represent Kiwi women and a young generation of girls will be watching your every move. Behave in a way that you would be ok with your daughter watching and growing up to be like.

Brown is still a fixture on the Auckland social scene after making the move to the Big Smoke from Invercargill following the show.

Kate Cameron

Finished in the top five on season two of the show. Famously featured prominently on fellow Bachelorette Naz Khanjani’s "hit list".

What was the best part of your experience on The Bachelor NZ?

Learning the behind the scenes manpower and energy that goes into a reality show. That was an experience in itself! And of course the surreal experiences that I had with all the girls, especially Gab [Davenport]. From parasailing to peeing on national television while kayaking, I think I definitely made the most out of each experience.

Do you have any regrets from filming the show?

Just one. I knew early on that I wasn't into Jordan [Mauger] and I should have left a lot earlier. I picked from the outset that no-one in the house was right for him, including myself. So it would be that, not getting out earlier and listening to my gut. It never lies!

What advice do you have for new Bachelor, Zac Franich?

Where do I start?!

1. There are always two sides to a story, remember that!

2. Girls can be very good actors, so spot those ones quickly and get rid of them.

3. If you have trouble picking which girl to eliminate, ask yourself "Would my mum like this girl?" Most guys I know always seek their mother's approval when dating a girl.

4. Show genuine interest in every girl. Ask her what she does for work, what her hobbies are, etc. I was never asked!

5. Follow your gut. You are the one who is going to have to date this girl after the show. And try to imagine her fitting in your world post-show, too. Very important.

What advice do you have for the Bachelorettes of 2017?

Oh girls, you are in for so many highs and lows! My advice would be you are role models to many young, influential girls now, so remember your actions have consequences on screen and off screen. The attention will be overwhelming after the show – so stay true to yourself and your friends who were there before the show. For goodness sake, have fun! This experience will forever be a great dinner party story so get in there and get involved!

Cameron is expecting her first baby – due in early August - with partner Brandon Hiini.

Dani Robinson

The charming, pink-haired Bachelorette who finished runner-up in the show’s first season.

What was the best part of your experience on The Bachelor NZ?

The best part was making a whole bunch of new friends who are all amazing inside and out! Also learning a lot about myself; my strengths and weaknesses, but most of all, my resilience and openness.

Do you have any regrets from filming the show?

Not at all! While the last couple of weeks of filming were very stressful for us, I still believe we all came out of the experience knowing what we wanted, who we were and what made us happy!

What advice do you have for new Bachelor, Zac Franich?

The best advice would be to go with your gut. You will know probably on the first night who your top five are, so try not to get caught up in the drama between the girls.

What advice do you have for the Bachelorettes of 2017?

Be nice and keep calm! The one thing you can control in this crazy experience is what comes out of your mouth. You're allowed to be jealous, but don't let it get in the way of your empathy or your personality.

Robinson has spent the last year loved up and travelling with boyfriend, internet star Logan Dodds.

Ceri McVinnie

Finished in the top 10 of season two of the show and has previously said she wouldn't mind being the nation's first Bachelorette.

What was the best part of your experience on The Bachelor NZ?

Definitely getting to meet all the girls. It was such a unique experience and brought most of us really close together. If we had all really liked Jordan, I don't think we would have bonded so well! I have had moments where I wished I hadn't done the show, but then I think about all the amazing friends I have made, who I probably wouldn't have met otherwise.

Do you have any regrets from filming the show?

I wish I'd stuck to my gut instincts and left the show earlier. It's a very confusing environment to be in and I definitely let other people sway my decisions.

What advice do you have for new Bachelor, Zac Franich?

To be himself, respectful and kind to all the girls. Also, to make sure he's present and engaged while on dates with the girls, not just going through the motions.

What advice do you have for the Bachelorettes of 2017?

Have fun, stay classy and enjoy the experience.

Claudia Conaglen

Only made the top 15 in season two, but proved a memorable Bachelorette nonetheless.

What was the best part of your experience on The Bachelor NZ?

The best part was meeting new people and learning to be strong with all the online bullying. Also, if I hadn't have come home to film The Bachelor NZ, I would still be in Bali and wouldn’t have met my fiance.

Do you have any regrets from filming the show?

It was a surreal experience. I don't regret it, but would never do it again. Yes, the concept was difficult: one man with 23 girls and having to share his time. I tried not to look at it as a competition, as we were all individuals, and at the end of the day, it is [the Bachelor's] choice to pick the woman of his dreams.

What advice do you have for new Bachelor, Zac Franich?

I would say go in with an open mind and open heart. Be real, confident and try to spend quality time with all the girls so you know who would be the best match for you.

What advice do you have for the Bachelorettes of 2017?

Enjoy the experience. It is a once in a life time opportunity. Be mindful of the fame that comes with it. There will be people that love you or hate you. Stay positive, humble and strong.

Conaglen now has a wedding to plan, after getting engaged to financial advisor Paul Ejamme last month.

- spy.co.nz