DEPARTURE

Special check in lounge for first and business class passengers at Auckland Airport a fantastic respite to a busy day of work. Very attentive and friendly check in staff. Paid departure tax at check in and proceeded through special Immigration lane in same lounge - excellent idea!


CABIN

Aircraft was an old 767-200. Clean and spacious business cabin with 50 inch pitch between seats. In-seat video screens a bit small, IFE quite limited. Oversized pillows and woollen blankets provided for 3.5 hour flight. Bathrooms were clean and simple - with great natural herbal lotions and sprays.


SEATING

Old generation business class seating with manual controls. Good recline but poor leg rest. Returning seatback to upright position is a task. Overall, quite comfortable. Business cabin has a 2-2-2 x 4 row configuration. Seats are a blue/green wool fabric.


CATERING

Simply amazing. All passengers were given menus before take off. Champagne-water-juice offered once seated, drink orders taken before take off. Air NZ sets up your table with cloth - then large tray is placed before you. Then the culinary journey begins with individual placements of each course. Main meal included three hot dishes - all very tasty. Regular servings of bread options (with olive / balsamic dip). Highlight was eating fantastic Fig and Honey ice-cream (?). Fruit & Cheese platter offered at end with selection of Port & fruit wine. Snacks available throughout flight (unnecessary as meal portions are large).


CABIN STAFF SERVICE

Business Class was full and we were serviced by three cabin crew. Very professional and genuine (unlike some other carriers with strained smiles!). All were very chatty throughout flight. Before landing, inflight service director met each passenger and thanked them for flying with Air NZ...nice touch again.


FLIGHT ARRIVAL

Island Style! Rarotonga Airport is small and completely tropical - with an open garden plan. Waited in queue for 5 minutes before retrieving bags from carousel. All in all, out of terminal in 25 minutes.


CUSTOMER VERDICT

An excellent product all round, which will be perfected by seat upgrades due to be implemented very soon. Also nice to see new Pacific Express Fares in place which equates new business class fares at old economy class prices! Well done indeed.


CUSTOMER RANKING