Singapore Airlines staff are welcoming, accommodating and more than happy to help.. Photo / NZPA
The plane: 777-300.
Class: Economy, but no complaints as the service takes your mind off the lack of leg room.
Price: We booked at the very last minute so it was just more than $1400 from Auckland to Denpasar via Singapore return for one person.
On time: Yes, all flights.
My seat: Excellent. Got an aisle so wasn't smothered by other passengers nor did I have anyone climbing over me to get to the loo every 10 minutes.
Fellow passengers: A lot of holidaymakers, backpackers and people returning to Singapore/Asia.
How full: Chocka. Not a spare seat as far as I could see.
Entertainment: The works. More than 250 movies to choose from with additional television and music on a personal screen. Great selection of new release, foreign and kids titles and old favourites. Plenty to keep you busy on the 10-hour trek from Auckland to Singapore.
The service: Brilliant. Singapore Airlines staff are welcoming, accommodating and more than happy to help.
Food and drink: Two options for a main meal on each flight, one Asian and one Western. Thai-style fish, goulash on fettuccine, braised beef with mashed potato and greens - all with a starter salad, desert and cheese and crackers to finish. You also get either a light meal or breakfast near the end of the flight, depending on what time you are landing. Full bar service included. I'd defy anyone to get off this flight hungry.
The toilets: Immaculate at all times. Fully stocked and no awkward running out of hand towels like on other long-haul flights.
Luggage: Not a problem. Up to 30kg for check in and 7kg carry on. It's supposed to be one carry-on item per person but we were fine with a bag and laptop.
The airport experience: We stopped over both ways at Changi Airport in Singapore. Made up of three whopping terminals full of shopping and entertainment - we were not bored. Check out Harry's Bar in Terminal 3 for a comfy couch and cold beer and the Butterfly Garden for something a bit different. Denpasar is great if you're leaving but be ready for action when you arrive - you need a visa upon entry, which is about US$25 ($29.40) and they could take only cash on the day we arrived. There is also an exit tax; it's easier to pay cash.
Would fly this again? Absolutely. In fact, I am doing it again in a month.
The flight to Queenstown from the capital traditionally takes 55 minutes.