Low-level Frodo flight thrills thousands

By ANNE BESTON and ELIZABETH BINNING


Air New Zealand's low-flying 747 failed to draw crowds on Auckland's waterfront yesterday but in other North Island centres the special flight was the event of the day.

The 747, one of four Lord of the Rings-themed aircraft in the company's fleet, made a low-altitude tour of North Island cities on its way to Wellington's party of the year.

Pupils of Gisborne's Kaiti School, roll 250, gathered in the playground to watch the plane flying overhead at just 300m.

"It flew right over the top of the school. It was very low and just really great," said principal Tim Jones. "The kids could clearly see Frodo."

In Hamilton, residents leaned out kitchen windows, jumped out of cars and gathered in the main street to glimpse the plane, which flew in from the northwest at 1.50pm.

At Hamilton Lake Domain, people stood on the water tower to capture the flight on film.

"It was an opportunity not to be missed," said Steve Kearvell, who had travelled from Morrinsville.

"It gives fans across the country a feeling of ownership."

But on Auckland's Princes Wharf, reaction to the plane's arrival just after 1.30pm was more low-key.

Some office workers eating lunch appeared unaware of the Frodo flight. Others were surprised at the low turnout. "I did think there would be more people here," said Janeene Forrest, 34, who had travelled from Swanson.

The 747 banked as it came in over the city centre from the east, losing height as it straightened to fly past North Head and up past the Harbour Bridge before flying off to the west.

The 300m height was the lowest the plane could fly without special Civil Aviation Authority dispensation.


* Return Of The King opens in New Zealand on Dec. 18.

Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings