Air NZ surprises Melbourne diners with free flights (+video)

Sixty unsuspecting Melbourne diners were gifted return flights to Wellington (pictured) by Air New Zealand last night. Photo / Thinkstock

Diners at Melbourne pop-up restaurant WLG were surprised with return tickets to Wellington as they tucked into their dinners last night.

Staff from Air New Zealand entered the restaurant and performed a special version of the airline's in-flight safety briefing to the 60 confused diners before presenting each of them with their free plane ticket.

The giveaway was designed by Air New Zealand to highlight the increased schedule frequency between Melbourne and Wellington as part of the airline's alliance partnership with Virgin Australia, which came into effect in July.

Melbourne diner Rebecca Saunders, who was eating out with her friend Grant Goodwin, said the free Wellington flight was one of the best surprises she had ever received.

"I woke up this morning and said 'today is going to be a great day' and then I got these free tickets to Wellington!

"I think my heart stopped when they announced it," added Goodwin.

"Never in a million years did I think I'd get a free flight while out for dinner. It's fantastic!"

WLG, a temporary Positively Wellington Tourism initiative, opened in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy last week. It offers tapas-style shared plates which showcase the best of New Zealand produce and offers diners the opportunity to try wines sourced from Martinborough, Marlborough and the Wairarapa.

Some of Wellington's top chefs and front-of-house staff, including Boulcott Street Bistro's Rex Morgan and Logan Brown's Shaun Clouston, are staffing the restaurant during the fortnight it's open.

Melbourne diners surprised with free flights

- NZ HERALD STAFF