Review of Air New Zealand flight from Melbourne to Auckland in Economy

air new zealand and my whale watching trip

Last month I had a few days off from work and I told myself that I would take a break from flying as I've been travelling every month to which I needed "a break". 

On this particular day, I was hit with boredom at home and after seeing an ad on social media for whale watching I had tickets booked 5 hours prior to my scheduled departure to Auckland. I'm usually one for carry on so packing was a breeze and off to the airport it was. 
  
The airport was quiet at the time so I managed to get through proceedings quite quickly and found myself in the Amex Centurion lounge. It's a nice enough lounge but I find the offering ex MEL quite average for whats offered but I guess a lounge is better than the guest lounge. 

I spent around 45 minutes in the lounge drowning out my sorrows with sparkling wine due to no shower facilities are available. The lounge space has one shared kitchen and toilets which are shared between the priority pass lounge as well. In busy times you could actually walk between both lounges without staff questioning if you're a guest :P

 It was approaching boarding time and the gate was situated at gate 18 located in the satellite area of the airport which would add around 5 - 7 minutes walk depending on your speed.  This gate was operating as a dual boarding for the Auckland and Christchurch flight so by the time I arrived most of the passengers were onboard. 

I took a few pictures of the aircraft and a few people decided to do the same while we were waiting for the line to move. 

There were pre set headphones already waiting on the seat and I found the legroom to be extremely generous. 
On Trans Tasman flights with ANZ, there are three fare structures which are:

Seat -Travel light with 1 carry-on bag plus snack and inflight entertainment 
The Works - All inclusive experience with checked bag, meal service and free standard seat select
Works Flexi - Full service option plus flexibility if you need to make changes

My fare was booked under "The works" which had complimentary 

✓Carry-on bag (7kg
 ✓Snack
✓Inflight entertainment 
✓Checked bag (23kg)
✓Meal and beverages 
✓ Standard seat select 

I was seated in 5C which is classified as a Space+ seat with very generous legroom and luckily enough, 5B was free which made the flight even more comfortable.  

I had a chat with the crew when they were preparing the cabin for pushback and a few moments later the crew dropped off noise cancellation headphones which are used for business class. Very sweet of the crew and very personable. 

We pushed back on time and a few minutes later we were climbing and made our way to Auckland.  

A p.a was made before the service commenced with the purser informing how the food deliver would work. The crew will distribute meals to passengers who had it included in their fare. After this, passengers who wanted to purchase meals would be able to do so through the IFE screen and the crew will come and deliver it. A very efficient and passenger friendly way of ordering food and drink through the IFE screen. 
 
 The crew made an appearance with the food cart and there were three choices of meals on offer and I went with beef brisket, potatoes and veg and a side of slaw, warm roll and chocolate cake for dessert.

Very cute tray delivered.

Life is even easier with squeezable butter. 

This meal hit the spot. I didn't even think for one moment that it would be spicy and the first bite caught me off guard and sent my tastebuds into another dimension. It was extremely tasty! One of the most delicious meals I've had on an aircraft.

Drinks service was following behind the meal cart and I went for sparkling wine which the crew kept on topping up throughout the flight which was lovely. 

Trays were cleared in around 30 minutes after and I decided to explore the IFE and wifi which worked seamlessly. WIFI was complimentary so that's an added bonus. 

I went to stretch and check out the forward lavatory which the crew gave it a clean before I entered. I didn't expect the wallpaper but it was a very nice touch along with the gentle background music. Standard 320 lavatory with basic amenities.  

A few moments after sitting back down the crew came back with two cups of sparkling wine which I didn't mind as the crew were so sweet. 

The cabin crew came around with a basket of candy which indicated that we would be shortly be approaching Auckland. 

I always love seeing this cultural gate on arrival in AKL airport. 

Immigration and custom proceedings at AKL airport was very efficient and fast for the time of night and before long I was outside waiting for my pre booked van chauffeur service to the four points hotel in Auckland city.