Worldoftui From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 0 posts, RR: 0 Posted (5 years 7 months 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 842 times:
NZ512
10th April
Christchurch - Auckland
STD:0755
I arrived early at Christchurch Domestic terminal, as I had to return a car to the Avis depot. However, due to some problems with my rental, despite arriving early, by the time I got to check in line, I was only 90 minutes before departure for what was, effectively, an international flight. Also, there was a very long queue. After 40 minutes of snaking round the terminal, I made it to the counter and was allocated my seats (Thanks TG922) Seat 2A.
Christchurch is an interesting little airport, as it is home to the US Antarctic Research Service (or whatever its proper name is) and was able to see various C130 Hercules and a grey 757 - not sure of its military designation.
Lots of glass in the departure gate area (nothing else tho - get your drinks etc BEFORE you go through security!). Saw quite a few aircraft:
ZK-MCY
Anyway, time for boarding. Absolutely shattered, I boarded the aircraft and then sat down in the wrong seat! 2F - I am so used to sitting on the right! Wasn't a problem, still wasn't allocated and ended up talking with a nice couple on their way to EDI via SIN and FRA. Also, flight was probably less than 50% full.
Weather conditions in CHC were much calmer than my last report, and so we started up and taxied out to RWY 20 (I think). But before crossing the runway, we were stopped by ATC and waited for a few minutes. I looked out of my window and saw an aircraft on approach. However, there was so much black smoke coming out the back of it, it almost looked as it was on fire. I was very keen to see what this aircraft would be, and initially thought an old DC8 or even a 737-200. I was very surprised...........ZK-PAL - an old HS-748 belonging to Tauck Tours - had never seen one of those in the air before! Sorry - no photos of this one in the database, and I am crap at taking aircraft photos - none in airliners.net yet but still trying!
Soon we were off. This time a smooth flight and a landing in Auckland on 23L. Not going to describe this flight too much as was the same as Auckland - Christchurch a week earlier. For more details, have a look at http://www.airliners.net/discussions/trip_reports/read.main/42054
We arrived onto Gate 33 and I was out of the domestic terminal in no time. As I was going to be doing a lot of sitting around for the next few hours, thought I would walk over to the Int'l terminal, a 10 minute stroll. The added bonus was a bit of spotting on the way. Saw a few interesting types, including a Cargolux 747-400 which I had never seen before.
Also saw the usual NZ 767-200's, 767-300's, a QF 737-400 and a Royal Brunei 767-300, I think it was V8-RBK, but can't be sure. Also, a very close view of the "Frodo Ship", ZK-NBV. That artwork is AMAZING!
Anyway, Auckland International terminal is very nice. Quite impressive actually. Very spacious check-in area, lots of shops and restaurants. Again though, would advise that you remain landside if you are waiting for long as the facilities are better. There is also a good viewers area with an outside deck too.
NZ10
Auckland - Honolulu - Flight time 8 hours 40 mins
767-300
ZK-NCL
Seat 10K
Was called for boarding quite early from Gate 6. During the walk saw, for the first time, an Asiana 777. Looks very nice. Saw the crew too - those girls looked hot! Nice uniforms! Also a few others that I had never seen including Samoan Airlines 737NG and Air Vanuatu - interesting stuff.
Anyway, Gate 6 reminded me of much of T3 at LHR. High security and restricted access. I would have to undergo another bag search and metal scan before being allowed access to the gate. No problems though.
The gate agent then called for me over the tannoy. I have never been called up before and was either expecting to be told that my bags had not made the CHC-AA), New Zealand">AKL flight and would be delayed, or hopefully, that I was being upgraded. No such luck, a small time change on one of my future flights. Gutted.
Still, boarding was announced, by seat row, and soon it was my turn. 10K, nice window seat in front of those big GE engines.
The seat was comfortable, with a footrest. WORD OF WARNING - do not ask for a seat further forward of 10K in Y as you will not have a window. Only applies to the right hand side of the aircraft. Legroom was not as much as the 747-400 - 32in I think, but still comfortable.
Departure was slightly delayed due to a few airheads wandering around the terminal while their aircraft and a couple of hundred people wait for them. Unfortunately, they made it to the aircraft before their bags were off-loaded.
Pushback was about 1220, and after the safety demonstration, we began a fairly long take off run on 23L and leisurely climb into the New Zealand sky.
The Captain had advised us that due to some high level cloud, the first few hours of the flight would be fairly bumpy. This was however, not the case and the flight was, in most parts, smooth.
The first meal was soon served. I opted for the Chicken Cordon Bleu with sautee potatoes and minted peas(Lamb and Mash was the other choice.) It was served with Salad with French Dressing, a WARM roll, chocolate fudge brownie with custard and cheese and crackers. Not bad. Complimentary beer, wine, champange and soft drinks were also offered.
Settled down for the film - Love Actually. I have now seen this 4 times on a plane, so no surprises, but not a bad film. Easy watching. Air NZ IFE wasn't bad actually, another film and some British Drama. Also (it had to be) a Lord of The Rings documentary - very interesting.
The second meal approx 1 hour before landing was a warm Cheese and Ham Foccacia with Pesto and Tomato salsa - very nice. This was served with Fruit Salad, a raspberry cake thing and cheese and crackers. Again, complimentary drinks.
The service on board throughout the flight was good. Water and squash were bought round about every 40 minutes outside of the meal service. Orange squash though - I have never been served that on a flight and was a bit surprised, but still, makes a change from water.
Soon, we began our descent into a windy HNL airport. Pitch black unfortunately. A very smooth touchdown on 4R and a short taxi back to a quiet airport, just a couple of UA 767-300's, a DL 767-400, an ATA 757-300, AA 757-200 and an AC 767-300. Sounds busy now, but lots of empty gates.
So - sunny Hawaii now. Very nice.
Overall, the flight was excellent. The food was good, service very friendly and the seats comfortable. Highly recommended.
767er From Australia, joined Apr 2001, 958 posts, RR: 2 Reply 1, posted (5 years 7 months 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 728 times:
Hi Mark
Great report and pleasing to hear the catering and service is as good as ever.
That was interesting that on the left hand side forward of 10K that there are no more actual windows in Y.
There is no Air Samoa.....I think you might be confusing it with Polynesian Airlines!
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From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 0 posts, 
From Australia, joined Apr 2001, 958 posts, 
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