Flight of fancy takes off

Love was in the air when a planeload of American singles landed in Auckland this week.

Almost 200 romance seekers booked tickets on Air New Zealand's first matchmaking flight and got the chance to meet their Kiwi counterparts at a glitzy ball on Friday.

The night started with drinks at the twentyone bar at SkyCity.

Don, a sprightly 78-year-old writer from Arizona, appeared to be the oldest in the room, but that didn't stop him from being surrounded by women.

"It's like shooting fish in a barrel, I've never had it so good. Last night there were three of them chasing me. They made me so mad because two of them got away."

Partners and stars of US reality show The Bachelor Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney provided the Hollywood muscle, while TV One weatherman Tamati Coffey added a touch of Kiwi celebrity.

By 7.30pm the bar was packed, and one woman was handing out cards reading "Rebekah Lady in Red". Rebekah is writing a book about love and desire, and her friend Caroline was positive about Rebekah's romantic chances: "She is looking to fill a few chapters tonight".

Caroline also admitted she wouldn't mind finding a nice American bloke. "They're garish, good fun, loud, and they came all the way to New Zealand to find love."

The singles then filed into buses for the ball held at Northcote Point function centre The Wharf. On the ride over the harbour bridge, Tina and Mary from Seattle had good things to say about Kiwi men.

"They're optimistic, well mannered oh, and the accent," said Tina.

Aucklander Susannah was getting on well with Arizona native Wells giving him eight out of 10. But she warned suitors to drop the cheesy chat, saying men would get further with a smile and friendly conversation.

Then things heated up when weatherman Coffey got on the mic and told the throng it was a night for "hormone-raising, pheromone-raising love". After a few dating games and more than a few cocktails, the party was well under way.

At 10pm Coffey, winner of the last season of Dancing With The Stars, took to the floor with dance partner Samantha Hitchcock to show partygoers how it was done.

Although the first bus left at 10.45pm most suitors stayed on, with more than a few people getting close on the dance floor.