My seat: I'd call it seat 2B - immediately behind where the co-pilot would sit. If there was a co-pilot. Not aware of any recline function or lie-flat capability.
Other passengers: Just me and the pilot. He seemed a nice guy, but there wasn't a lot of chit chat. (I secretly hoped he would let me plug in a set of headphones and listen to the air traffic chatter, but perhaps my seat behind precluded that.
How full: The passenger capacity of the aircraft was 25 per cent. That meant there were two empty seats behind me and one next to me, as well as the empty co-pilot's seat.
Entertainment: Pretty entertaining really, considering it's only a 30-minute flight. It was a beautiful, sunny day, we flew over Waiheke and the CBD before dropping down to the airport pretty quickly. A guaranteed window seat on this machine.
Food and drink: Just the chewing gum I'd brought with me. Not sure if I could have cracked open a drink or sandwich on the way, but it was only a short flight, so not long to wait for a feed.
The toilets: Good question. Don't drink too much coffee before take-off.
Extras: I wasn't expecting an amenities bag. Nor was I offered one.
Luggage: Great Barrier Air says that it has a luggage allowance of 18kg on all its flights, but up to 23kg for its Kaitaia flights.
The airport experience: Quiet, low-key and no problems. Walk to your plane at Claris - then a quick ride in a golf-cart once we landed at Auckland. I was able to grab my own bag off the cart and carry it with me into the terminal. Quick and easy.
Would I fly this again: Yes. I do love flying and once the initial anxiety of climbing into such a small plane passes it's interesting to see the pilot handling the aircraft and to be so close to real business of flying. (Though not too sure I'd be keen on much more than an hour or two flight time).
