We drove up from Rotorua and arrived at AKL around 1530 for the 1750 departure. Took the hire car back and had to walk to the opposite end of the terminal to the EK check in area. No queue and were seen straight away. I had prebooked 1 and 2 K but the OH wanted to be able to talk (why I have no idea as he puts his headphones on as soon as he sits down. Anyway the agent moved us to 1 (the two in the middle - can't remember the letters).
Used the NZ immigration pre clearance and made our way up to departures. Quickly through security and off to the EK lounge. Greeted warmly and told to make ourselves comfortable.
They have moved from the main level upstairs and now have windows, albeit overlooking duty free but natural light is good. It is also much bigger than the old lounge. So with the 3 EK departures within 30 minutes of each other it did not feel busy or cramped. Food and drink was as good as always. Only Moet though - but hey its French and not classed as sparkling.
For those with Oz/NZ chip passports there is an Oz inbound set up machine adjacent to the EK/QF/NZ lounges (which EK announced in the lounge) this just means you can go straight to the scanner on arrival.
Flight was called and we made our way to the gate - only to find boarding had not commenced. Nor was their a priority boarding lane marked. Moments later a call for F and J and frequent fliers was put out and the gate agent very apologetically put up the priority lane signage.
Down the air-bridge and welcomed by name and then held while two cc members were summoned to escort us to our seats - one on each aisle. Drinks offered, Dom Perignon this time, actually decided I prefer Veuve. Suites are huge!!! Almost too much space. Did the 'we don't fly first obligatory photos' luckily there were only two other F pax and they were doing the same!
The at seat mini-bar is a bit of a waste as the drinks are warm. Nice writing kit and amenities although no PJs, the OH asked, as it is only a short sector.
Watched the take off on the IFE. My headphones were very crackly so asked for some more which were very quickly brought. But still crackly. So ended up moving to 1K across the aisle from the OH - I was initially chastised by him for suggesting I move to 1A. The crew offered twice to carry my things around to 1K - nice touch but I only had a small bag. The forward galley and route to the cockpit is all 'wooden' flooring - but there is a step up from both J and galley into the F cabin. Very annoying.
Dinner orders taken. Can't remember what I had but it was nice. Service felt a bit rushed - almost one plate cleared seconds before next arrived.
After dinner I was talking to the cabin supervisor when the captain came into the galley and I had a good 10 minutes or talking to him. He highly recommended the Shiraz - which I had later and it was good - just can't remember what it was!!
Again a completely uneventful flight with good service.
Disembarkation is through the mini J cabin so not off first but used the e-passport machines and bags were on carousel when we arrived. Luckily we were shown to the exit and again missed the bio security checks.
Chauffeur service is available to trans tasman first and so a little man was waiting for us and took us home. Plane to apartment in 35 minutes.
Is it worth flying first across the tasman - no not with such excellent J service. That said I am sure if we had been going on to Dubai the bed, space and privacy would be superb.
Rob
