Air New Zealand Airbus A320neo Trans-Tasman Economy Class From Gold Coast To Christchurch

After two weeks at the popular tourist destination of the Gold Coast, it was time to return home, where my family and I were jetting off with Air New Zealand across the Tasman Sea. Air New Zealand operates a robust network of routes across the ‘Ditch’; this flight was destined for Christchurch, on the South Island.

NZ278, originally scheduled to depart from Gold Coast Coolangatta Airport (OOL) at 18:45, was delayed by over an hour due to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft. However, the journey was enjoyable, and I’ll elaborate on the best parts below.

Photo: Aaron Bailey | Simple Flying

The carrier prides itself on a helpful app that keeps its passengers up to date, and we were advised several hours earlier by a push notification that our flight was delayed, so we didn’t rush to the airport. This kept up to date even at the airport when the flight was delayed an extra 15 minutes, and let us know when it was time to board.

Gold Coast airport

When arriving at the airport, finding yourself a trolley for luggage will cost you AU$5 ($3.22). However, the check-in hall is small and easy to navigate. We opted to check in via the kiosk; however, as I was traveling with my wife and son, we were quickly assisted by the Air NZ agent, who took charge and checked in our five pieces of luggage. This included our stroller, which we could check at the gate.

Passing through security was a breeze; it was around 16:00 on a Saturday, and it took less than ten minutes. At OOL, you pass through general security into the main departure hall for all flights; however, as we traveled internationally, there was a second checkpoint at the southern side of the terminal.

The domestic part of the terminal resembled a large food court. It has a range of eateries, a WH Smith, and a selection of other stores. However, once we got through to the new international wing, it was like night and day, with a modern, clean, and relaxing environment, including a pretty cool, busy wall for children, which my son made good use of. In addition to the ‘Flight Deck,’ there was an adequately sized souvenir shop, restaurant, and another WH Smith.

Photo: Aaron Bailey | Simple Flying

NZ278 ready for boarding

When it came to boarding, around 19:30, the gate agent opted to use the top of her lungs to call for those requiring special assistance instead of the loudspeaker; however, fortunately, traveling with a toddler, we opted to board first.

We could settle into our seats before the rest of the passengers came onboard. In general, the boarding experience was quick and painless, and given the flight was behind schedule, all parties involved were keen to get wheels up and be bound for Christchurch.

The aircraft, an Airbus A320neo, with the young age of just four years, held the registration ZK-NHC and had operated the inbound CHC to OOL flight before us; these aircraft that are deployed across the Tasman usually facilitate two return services to Australia a day, where this aircraft for September 23rd, operated WLG-MEL-CHC-OOL-CHC.

Photo: Aaron Bailey | Simple Flying
 

You can choose from four economy classes when traveling on Air New Zealand’s international short-haul, narrowbody services. Works-Deluxe and Works include meals, luggage, drinks, and movies (however, Works Deluxe also includes an extra bag and neighbor-free guarantee), whereas the other two services, Seat and Seat + Bag, explain themselves.

Given the flight wasn’t full and the row behind us was empty, we had no issue with fighting for space in the overhead storage compartments.

Works Class

We opted for Works class, and our food options onboard were braised lamb, teriyaki chicken on noodles, or tofu red curry. I opted for the chicken, served with a popular Kiwi beer, Panhead. There was also the option for a range of spirits or New Zealand wines. Alongside the main came a small potato salad, a bun, and a caramel slice.

Those who had selected Seat and Seat + Bag could choose from a range of snacks via the entertainment system for a fee.

Photo: Aaron Bailey | Simple Flying

Seated in Row 20, we were fortunate enough to have the row to ourselves, and as the flight was far from full, there were several empty rows near the back of the aircraft. Given the flight operating late into the evening, many sat back, relaxed, enjoyed a movie, or napped.

Being 6″1, I usually find myself struggling for legroom. However, the space on this flight was more than adequate to get comfortable for the three-hour service.

The flight was smooth, with no big shakes, until we crossed the Southern Alps to Christchurch, where we usually experience a few bumps. Heavy rain and wind have recently battered the region, which has seen other flights delayed or canceled; however, we, fortunately, were able to escape this drama.

While the crew was apologetic for the late running of the service, all staff remained professional and thanked us for our patience throughout the flight.

Touching down in the Garden City

Touching down at Christchurch International Airport at 01:17 (instead of the scheduled 23:59) was less than ideal. However, the crew was attentive the entire flight, and after disembarking and passing through passport control, baggage claim and quarantine were a breeze.

Air New Zealand takes flight from Christchurch to the Gold Coast three times a week, departing CHC on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Qantas’ low-cost offshoot, Jetstar, provides the only direct competition on the route, serving the route with its own Airbus A320 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Source: Flightradar24.com