This is the next leg. Off to new Zealand for a few days.

Since our flight is not until tonight, we spent the morning watching arrivals from the well known Templeton street spot.

Interesting flights were Korean 747, Air China A330, Air Transat A330 , which performed a spectacular go around and finally the Air New Zealand 747.

Then was time to return the hire car. No issues there.

Now waiting for check in to open. Check in opened just after 4 pm. Was bit of a delay, as the Canadian rugby team was also checking in.

Dad was a bit concerned about our carry on being overweight, but that was not weighed, and the checked baggage was not overweight either. All good.

Next stop was security, as usual where ever I have been it is the same, minimum staff, maximum queues. Got through that ok.

Still plenty of time until boarding, so found a window with a view of the action. Few notable things seen were aeromexico 737, purolator 727 etc.

Boarding got underway about 7:15 pm. Felt good going up the stairs on a 747.

Row 22 is an exit row so there is plenty of legroom.

However, the flight attendant seat is on the other side of the aisle and I soon thought if I am seen with a camera out on take off, this will cause problems, but in the end nothing was said. One F/A just said make sure the strap is wrapped around your hand. And that was it.

Boarding went smoothly, but a problem with one of the cargo doors ensured we were about two hours late. Were supposed to depart at 8 pm, but was after 10 pm and was now dark.
That was finally fixed, during which made me think about the crashes over the years that were caused by cargo door problems. Rather be on the ground waiting for it to be fixed, than in the air when it lets go…

Soon got going, but were delayed further as the wind had changed direction, so meant a long taxi to the other end of the runway.

Take off was a long one and once in the air, did not climb that quickly either.

Before the meal service got underway, took a couple of quick cabin shots.

Meal choices were:

Starter
Marinated prawns and smoked salmon

Main Course
Chicken with asparagus and sweet potato
Grey cod with golden potatoes

Both dad and I went for the chicken. Which was not bad. Was not keen on the starter, as I am not much of a seafood eater.

After the meal, did a bit more to this trip report, after a while started to get sleepy, so got the blanket out put the seat back and well fell asleep, which is hard to do on a plane usually.

Slept for about six hours which is not bad.

However poor dad did not sleep much.

After going to the toilet, I had forgotten how small it is, barely enough room for one, so how does two get in there and do their mile high thing?

Breakfast was soon being prepared.

There were several cereal choices, weet biz, corn flakes etc went for the corn flakes. Skipped the scrambled eggs.

Now it’s just a case of waiting to get to Auckland.

Landing was quite smooth, it was just starting to get light, as the delay in leaving Vancouver meant we arrived nearly two hours late at approx 6:30 AM, instead of the planned 4:45 AM.

Got to see the flight deck of the 747, sat in the captains seat.

He was also explaining that with the wind change in Vancouver we took off on runway 08 left instead of 26 right.

Once off the plane, was not hard going through the customs process, seems to be quite efficient in Auckland.

Next over to the domestic terminal for the next installment to Wellington…