We left the Lodge at around 8:30a and arrived at Queenstown International 20 minutes later.
And headed for the NZ Koru Lounge where our Star Alliance Gold status got us entry.
Basic but comforatabe lounge overlooking the gate areas.
Food and beverage area with a weak selection.
I think we need a new dishwasher. Couldn't find a single clean glass so wound up using a paper coffee cup for water.
At around T-20, we headed downstairs thru security and to Gate 2 where boarding started shortly thereafter.
Queenstown ZQN to Christchurch CHC
Air New Zealand 636
A320
10:20a-11:15p
December 2, 2015
Exit Row seats 12C and 12D
OK, it's not First or Business (or Private) but the exit row has nice leg room.
First time seeing the much hearlded preflight safety video. One the best I've ever seen.
And one of the best inflight magazine I've seen. So many great articles that I took it with me.
In Christchurch off to find our regional flight to Napier.
Lunch time. LOL.
But that was before I realized that much of the stuff was actually free, as the opposite site of the food counter was a mini Koru Express lounge. Scanned my *G BP and voila, I was in.
Christchurch CHC to Napier/Hawkes Bay NPE
Air New Zealand 5478
AT-72
12:15p-1:45p
December 28, 2015
Exit Row seats 1A and 1B
Row 1, the only good row on this cramped prop plane.
We arrived on time at NPE where I headed to the Thrify counter to rent our car. Unfortunately, I screwed up and had booked a compact, and that was all that they are any other company had. Fortunately, one of us was an engineer and we managed to squeeze four pax and all the luggage in the car. LOL.
