"It rattled and made a hell of a racket."
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Pilots put the brakes on and informed passengers exactly what had happened, she said.
"The response from Air New Zealand has been amazing, they kept us very well informed as to what was happening."
She admitted to being "a little bit nervous" about getting on another plane to continue her trip to Tonga, but a few glasses of champagne was "dulling" the emotion.
Another passenger, Siaki Tuionetoa, thanked the pilots for their actions.
"It was truly a thrill when all of a sudden the plane pulled the brakes.
"I've never experienced this before and I just want to thank the two pilots for their outstanding work and making sure we make a safe trip over the Pacific. Thank you."
Passengers were returned to the terminal by bus and arrangements were being made to rebook them.
Air New Zealand said emergency services attended as a precaution.
Northern fire communications shift manager Nicole Bernard said nine appliances were sent to the scene.
"It's a normal response to a full emergency," Ms Bernard said.
An airport spokesman said the runway was temporarily closed but had since reopened.
He advised passengers check their airlines' websites on flight times.
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