Around the world in fifty hours

Two facts – (a) NZ is effectively diagonally opposite the UK, so the journey time is roughly the same whether flying east or west. (b) Air New Zealand is the only carrier who currently circumnavigates the world. So we couldn’t miss the opportunity to continue flying east, returning home via LA having flown right around the world.

Our journey started at Nelson airport, a small local airport that feels like a throw-back to the fifties or sixties with young boys standing with their fathers on the observation deck - all that was missing were the tweed jackets, ties and pipes. The flight, in a fifty seater twin-engined turbo-prop plane was a pleasant contrast to the usual jet airliner.

We then had a five hour wait at Auckland airport, so we took the opportunity to buy ourselves access to the Air New Zealand Koru lounge – lounge access isn’t included in premium economy fares. For the price of a couple of drinks and a sandwich, we were able to relax, enjoy wi-fi, a hot buffet meal and an extensive choice of premium NZ wines and drinks. By the time we boarded our flight at 10.45pm, we informed the cabin staff that we didn’t wish to eat and were ready to go straight to sleep.

Flights via LA are on Air New Zealand’s 777-300 planes, featuring their Spaceseats, effectively leather armchairs with copious amounts of space – and, as ever, attended to by very friendly staff. On arrival back at Heathrow our bags were already off the carousel waiting for us at priority collection.

All in all, a pleasurable experience for twenty five hours in the air with a one hour refuelling break.