Flying from Auckland to Niue with Air New Zealand

Photo / Chris Sutton

Stacey Hunt flies Auckland to Niue with Air New Zealand.

The plane: One of the airline's international service A320s.

Class: With only one class available on this flight it's quite nice to eliminate the intense feeling of jealousy you get when walking through Business Class and Premium Economy.

My seat: 11F — I usually prefer an aisle seat but the view flying into Niue as a first-time visitor is spectacular and surprising as the lush green island spreads further than expected.

How full: With only two flights a week the flight was close to, if not at capacity.

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Fellow passengers: Most seemed relaxed and in good spirits despite being an hour delayed taking off due to a sick crew member. A mix of holiday-makers and Niueans returning home or heading to visit family.

Entertainment: The usual excellent selection of in-flight movies and TV shows Air New Zealand has to offer. The only downside is when the flight lands before your movie finishes.

The service: Excellent. The captain was friendly and chatty, keeping us up-to-date while we were delayed on the ground. The crew were friendly and welcoming and didn't let the sudden changes disrupt service.

Airport experience: Smooth self check-in and quick bag drop. With all the changes being made to Auckland International Airport it seemed like a bit more of a hike to the gate than I've previously experienced. At the other end, Niue provided a typically charming Pacific Island airport experience.

Large international terminals could learn a thing or two from the welcoming Customs staff at the airport here.

Food and drink: For those with The Works it was a choice between a breakfast of cereal with yoghurt and fruit or a hot meal of scrambled eggs, beans and a sausage. I generally find breakfast the worst meal to have on planes and this did nothing to change that opinion. The usual beverage selection was offered a few times during the flight.

Would I fly again: As it's the only airline that flies to Niue, yes.