Flying from Queenstown to Auckland with Air New Zealand

Aoraki Mt Cook catches the light. Photo / 123RF

Ben Taylor flies aboard NZ610 from Queenstown to Auckland.

The plane: Air New Zealand Airbus A320.

Class: Economy Flexi Plus Fare.

Price: I paid $183, one way. Pricey as I booked late and needed a flexible fare, so paid an extra $50.

Flight time: Taking off at 7am on a Wednesday, we were down inside the scheduled 1hr 50mins.

My seat: 4F, a window seat on right of the plane with spare seat next to me, perfect for an early morning flight when I'm still waking up and have work to do.

How full: About 90 per cent. Not sure if that was because of the fuel shortage in Auckland and other cancelled flights, but there were lots of people up early for the flight.

Entertainment: I cranked some music on headphones and took in the view on what I think is New Zealand's best flightpath on a good day. It crosses the main divide just south of Aoraki Mt Cook, thereby, for those of us on the right of the plane, presenting a view of our highest mountains and biggest glaciers in all their glory. Magnificent.

The service: As usual, the cabin staff were cheery and immaculately coiffed. The current version of the "funny" inflight video is not overly amusing.

Food and drink: A cup of tea, with milk, served at 7.30am - perfect timing.

The toilets: I just held on, as I was on the window seat and someone was in the aisle.

Luggage: I travel fast and light and made this journey with just a small carry-on bag stowed under the seat in front of me.

The airport experience: The Koru Lounge in Queenstown was surprisingly full, given the early hour. People had made a real effort to get up early for the free breakfast. Me, I only had time for takeaway coffee before the flight was called.

Would I fly this again? Absolutely. It was a work trip and the early flight, together with a return evening flight, means two full days in Auckland with only one night away.

According to one local real estate agent this improved connectivity is in no small part contributing to the increase in people moving down to Queenstown.

Want more holiday inspiration? Sign up to our new Travel Insider newsletter here.