Josef Winter is on cloud nine

CLOUD NINE: Josef Winter loved being a passenger on a Dreamliner.

Paraparaumu boy Josef Winter was among a large group of children who enjoyed a scenic trip around the country on an Air New Zealand 787-9 Dreamliner.

The Koru Care flight, which started in Auckland on Sunday, was a special treat for 58 children aged five to 18 who are either sick or disadvantaged.

Josef, 5, was born with a congenital heart defect comprising a hole in the heart, transposition of the arteries and a faulty valve.

He's had three open heart surgeries so far, one a just 10 days old and twice last year, and will likely need more treatment in the future.

"One side of his heart just doesn't work," his father Jon Winter said, who accompanied Josef on the flight.

"But you would never guess it.

"He's really bubbly."

Mr Winter, a former Olympian swimmer who is now head coach of Raumati Raptors Swimming Club, said Josef had a great time socialising with everyone and making new friends.

"By the end of the trip I think everyone knew his name.

"I asked him his favourite things and he said the whoopee cushion, which they got in their goodie bags, but further probing reveal superheroes, which were people dressed up."

Josef had a great time with former All Black Josh Kronfeld and they hung together a lot.

"I think Josh was a little taken by how out going Joe, who was wearing Gene Simmons face paint, is."

Josef also made friends with MC Erin Simpson "who he thought was absolutely gorgeous".

The flight also comprised the first New Zealand viewing of Angry Birds which Josef watched for about 45 minutes before socialising again.

"Joe wasn't really interested in the views so I got the window seat which was great.

"The captain did some awesome turns and climbs and it was a great day for views."