Review of Air New Zealand flight Wellington → New Plymouth in Economy

INTRODUCTION

This flight report covers Air New Zealand Link's regional hop from the New Zealand capital to my (former) home city of New Plymouth. Air NZ flies multiple flights daily between WEL and NPL, and for this report I will be taking the last flight of the day. 

WELLINGTON AIRPORT

Wellington may be the capital of New Zealand, but the airport doesn't get as much flights as Auckland. Most of the international flights from here go across the Tasman Sea to Australia or to the Pacific Islands north of NZ. Since I arrived early for my flight, I decided to plane spot for a bit. 

Jetstar A320-200

Followed by sister aircraft one hour later

Air New Zealand A320 headed to AKL

A sister A320 taxiing out

The apron of the domestic wing of WLG

This B1900D was another aircraft used for NZ domestic flights, but is no longer in service with Air New Zealand (operated by Eagle Airways) today.

THE FLIGHT: NZ8850

I did not get much shots of the cabin or aircraft itself as I was tired from spending the entire day exploring Wellington. One thing to note about domestic flights in New Zealand is that there are zero security checks for all turboprop flights. Jet flights, however, go through security inspection as you would for a domestic flight here in Canada or the US. 

The plane used was a Q300, which was serviced by only one flight attendant. Since the flight time was only estimated to be about 35 minutes, only a water service was conducted. 

A shot inflight, with Mt Taranaki in the background.

No entertainment was provided on the flight, as expected on turboprop flights. There was a Kia Ora magazine in the seat pocket which I just skimmed through to pass the time. 

Arrived in New Plymouth about 7:55PM, which was 5 minutes before scheduled arrival time.