Review of Air New Zealand flight Christchurch → Auckland in Economy

check-in

Kia Ora! - Hello in the Maori language.  Welcome to this flight report on a domestic flight operated by Air New Zealand.
This was an early flight out of Christchurch and I arrived at the airport more than 2 hours prior to my flight because I wanted to explore the airport a bit and have something first, knowing that a short domestic flight wouldn't provide anything more than a pack of snacks.
Both domestic and international flights depart from the same terminal (i.e. no transfer of terminal whatsoever) but for international passengers they'll have to pass through immigration 

The main entrance of the airport is near the arrival hall.  To get to the check-in area, just follow the overhead signs which lead you to the far right of the terminal where you make a left turn at the very end and all the check-in counters will be visible.

Air New Zealand uses these check-in kiosks (as an increasing trend for modern aviation) unless if you're flying in a premium cabin (premium economy and business class).  In that case, you can head to one of the premium check-in counters.  After check-in, you can head to a bag drop counter if you've purchased any checked luggage (Air New Zealand charges passengers for checked bags on domestic flights).  

after security

After you've gone through security, you'll see all the gates in front of you.

The gate area isn't very spotter-friendly.  If you choose to arrive earlier (like I did) to take some good shots of airplanes at the gate area, then it'd be a wrong decision.  As you can see from the picture below, the gate area is blocked by aerobridges and various structures.

Like many Australian airports, power outlets that are lined along the length of the table can also be found here.

the flight

Boarding commenced with slight delay.  Boarding is divided into 2 groups: for passengers seated from row 1 - 15 can be boarded through the front door via the aerobridge and those seated at the back of the cabin had to walk along the aerobridge, then walk down the stairs through the side of the bridge and walk back up the stairs again at the apron and board via the back door.

And this is the cabin.  On the first impression, it looks exactly the same as the one in Jetstar's A320 aircraft.

We then departed Christchurch with only a slight delay and we flew in a northwesterly direction towards Auckland.
The flight pretty much flew over a large mountain range before leaving the South Island.  I'd say this is the first time that I've actually seen that many mountains during a flight. 

Flight meal was served (or should I say snacks?).  Its a choice between a pack of chocolate cookie or a pack of chips.  Drinks include water, tea and coffee.  No juices were available and that's sad because I always love drinking apple juice on a flight (is that just my strange hobby?). 

There's no individual IFE but there are overhead screens.  Different from what other airlines do, instead of broadcasting some TV programmes or movies, Air New Zealand puts up a wide range of quizzes, questions range from celebrities, science to history.  IMO, this is a special and good way to pass some time. 

Thanks to the quizzes, time passed quickly and we made our descent into Auckland International Airport and this is also where the journey ended.