Trip Report: New Zealand Trip (Lots of Photos) [Archive]

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:05 PM

INTRODUCTION:

At the start of the year, me and a friend from school were planning on doing a trip at the end of the year after completing Year 12. We decided on going to New Zealand and after a bit of planning we decided on the flights, accommodation etc. So we booked it all, around 6 months before the trip.

We would fly Qantas from Brisbane to Sydney on Saturday 24 November on QF8. Stay in Sydney for 2 nights. Then fly on Emirates from Sydney to Auckland on EK412 on the 26th, my first flight on an A380! Stay in Auckland for 3 nights. Then fly with Air New Zealand from Auckland to Queenstown via Wellington on a Boeing 737-300 and then an ATR72-500 on the 29th. Stay in Queenstown for 3 nights. Do a scenic flight and cruise to Milford Sound on the 30th. Then fly Air New Zealand from Queenstown back to Auckland via Christchurch on an ATR72-500 and an Airbus A320 and then Emirates direct to Brisbane on a Boeing 777-300ER on the 2nd of December. We were really looking to the trip, it sure was going to be great!

DAY 1: NOVEMBER 24: BRISBANE TO SYDNEY, SYDNEY AIRPORT, SYDNEY HARBOUR

BRISBANE AIRPORT

I got to the airport at 6am very excited for the awesome trip ahead. I met Josh and we checked in for the flight down to Sydney. A few months prior to the trip we upgraded to Business Class seeing as we both had enough points. Josh chose to sit on the lower deck in Seat 8K while I chose to go on the upper deck in Seat 16K.
After checking in we went to the Qantas Club seeing as we had access being in business class :) We grabbed some breakfast and watched the morning arrivals start. About 30 minutes before boarding was to commence we left the Qantas Club and went down to the departure gates to check out what was at the terminal.

Qantas Club
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Morning flights at the International
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My plane to Sydney – VH-OEG, doing well with the rego’s for QF8, OEI, OEJ and now OEG
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November 24, 2012
Qantas
QF8
BNE-SYD
VH-OEG B744
Seat 16K

Boarding commenced on-time, made our way onto the aircraft, Josh going to the left and myself going upstairs :) Took Seat 16K, it was a bit hard to take photos from the upper deck but I didn’t mind, I was happy being in Business on the top deck of a 747!

Good leg room!
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The view!
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OEJ on short finals for RWY01 inbound from LAX
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Brisbane Airport
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Breakfast was served once we reached our cruising altitude of 40000 feet. There was the option of continental or hot breakfast. I took the continental which was meant to be yoghurt and fruit, however the caterers gave the top deck two bowls of fruit for each tray, I didn’t mind though, it was still nice. During the one hour flight I watched an episode of Hamish and Andy’s Euro Gap Year, which is hilarious; before I knew it we had started our descent into Sydney.

Commencing our descent
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Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:07 PM

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Slowing down on RWY34L
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We taxied to the international terminal after a great flight from Brisbane.

The top deck of OEG!
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SYDNEY AIRPORT

After an awesome flight to Sydney, we disembarked and made our way through customs and boarder security which didn’t take too long. We then went up to the observation deck, seeing as we couldn’t check into the hotel til 2pm.

Malaysian, Garuda and Qantas
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Spotting at the Observation Deck
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At about 12pm I called the Formule One hotel to see if we could check in early, and the room was ready so we caught the train to the domestic and walked 10 minutes to our hotel. The Formule One Hotel at Sydney Airport offers good views of takeoffs on RWY34L/R and landings on RWY16L/R as well as a good overview of the GA Apron.

Air Asia departure on RWY34L as seen from the hotel
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Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:07 PM

We settled in and then decided to go to the harbour for the afternoon.

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House
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We went back to the hotel at around 5:30pm.

GA Apron as seen from the hotel
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Some evening departures
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DAY 2: NOVEMBER 25: SYDNEY AIRPORT SPOTTING – MOUND AND BEACH

We spent the Sunday spotting at Sydney Airport doing some spotting. We were at the mound from about 6am til 10am and then the beach from 4pm til 8pm. Here are some of the photos.

The Mound
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Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:08 PM

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Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:09 PM

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Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:10 PM

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The Beach
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Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:10 PM

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Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:12 PM

DAY 3: NOVEMBER 26: SYDNEY TO AUCKLAND

SYDNEY AIRPORT

We caught a shuttle bus from the hotel to the international at about 5:30am. We then went to the Emirates check-in desks to check-in for the flight over to Auckland. No problems checking in so we then proceeded through security and customs. We grabbed some breakfast and did a bit of spotting, unfortunately the weather was awful for photography and I accidently switched settings so my photos didn’t turn out very good. It was just the normal stuff at Sydney Airport, Qantas B744 VH-OEB in F1 livery was in and also Thai’s B744 Retro livery which I was very happy about! I was hoping to see this one on my visit to Sydney. Our Emirates A380 arrived a little bit late, and it was A6-EDZ, the newest in the fleet! Anyway here are some of the photos.

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Boarding commenced about 45 minutes late, it sure was exciting about to board an A380 for the first time!

November 26, 2012
Emirates
EK412
SYD-AKL
A6-EDZ A388
Seat 53K

First impressions of the A380 and Emirates were great. The aircraft looked very nice and new. I took my Seat (53K), the seat next to me was free which was good. The load on the flight in economy I would guess was around 70-80%.

Welcome Screen
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The awesome Tail Cam
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Vietnam arrives
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Malaysian arrives, should’ve been the first Malaysian A380 service to Sydney today but they have now decided to keep the B744s on the route!
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OEJ arrives, seems to be following us, OEJ arrived just as we were about to depart 2 days before on QF8 ;)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8247686357_033cfff75f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247686357/)

Following LAN which was also off to Auckland
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8247687413_e3a1b1e541.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247687413/)

We had to wait about 15-20 minutes for takeoff because there was a queue of about 10 other aircraft waiting for takeoff and constant arrivals! United B744 arrived and also a China Eastern A330 which was the special 2010 Expo livery! I was happy to see it as I didn’t manage to get a photo of her two days ago.

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:13 PM

Lining up on RWY16R :D
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8247688519_840127e90d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247688519/)

After a one minute wait on RWY16R, we were off! I couldn’t believe the A380 on takeoff, I knew it was meant to be quiet but I couldn’t believe how quiet it really was, you could barely hear the engines make a noise as full thrust was applied!

And we’re up! Passing the beach.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8248756928_3ef50ac6c6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248756928/)

Left turn towards NZ, my favourite photo from the flight.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8248757514_df95c7cabe.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248757514/)

Cruising at 41000 feet
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8247690605_5faf2acd50.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247690605/)

Today’s flight
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8247691637_01006b91e9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247691637/)

I didn’t really use the IFE too much; I watched an episode of two and a half men and watched the flight map and tail cam for the rest of the flight, as well as looking out the window at my amazing view.

About halfway through the flight Josh and I decided to get some cabin shots.

Rear economy section
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8248760088_caa1c4fb9a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248760088/)

Second last economy section
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8247693719_dae7154e4f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247693719/)

We then entered some turbulence and had to return to our seats. Pretty soon we had commenced our descent.

Descending into Auckland
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8248761726_ebec1503a3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248761726/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8248762364_d2c8f01e64.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248762364/)

Beautiful green/blue water down there
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8247695929_0260fdced9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247695929/)

Passing the suburbs of Auckland
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8248764172_60ef06488d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248764172/)

Passing Auckland’s main spotting location on Puhinui Road
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8247697635_fbf535e03d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247697635/)

Short finals for RWY23L
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8247698379_2310f9ddcb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247698379/)

My first time in New Zealand
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8248766452_4957425e8e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248766452/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:14 PM

Auckland Domestic Terminal
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8248767282_7b5635bb37.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248767282/)

FedEx MD-11 and ANZ B77W ZK-OKQ All Blacks livery
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8247700891_3f28783744.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247700891/)

Auckland International Terminal
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8247701745_f802099817.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247701745/)

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER A6-ECA
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8247702643_8e5c44c30c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247702643/)

We join the A380 from DXB via MEL (A6-EDM)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8248770568_362184fb7e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248770568/)

A380 Interior
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8248771598_0b4c9f5582.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248771598/)

And that was the end of the awesome flight over from Sydney. We went through customs and border security without any worries and then we called the shuttle to take us to our hotel. We stayed at the Jet Park Hotel while in Auckland which was an awesome hotel, very nice place! It is about a 10 minute drive to the airport and a 30 minute drive to the city.

DAY 4: NOVEMBER 27: AUCKLAND CITY SIGHTS BUS TOUR, HARBOUR CRUISE AND SKYTOWER

On our first proper day in Auckland we did a two and a half hour bus tour around Auckland. It took us through the city, showing us the main attractions of Auckland with a few stops along the way. We then did a one and a half hour harbour cruise which took us all along Auckland’s Harbour including under the Harbour Bridge. We then walked to the sky tower and went up there to enjoy the views, here are a few photos from the day.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8247721403_afdbf9fdac_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247721403/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8248789816_42e31c5ee2_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248789816/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8247723279_54e18f8724_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247723279/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8247723979_b50cc50e01_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247723979/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8248792234_15c2e54d76_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248792234/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8247725819_a8dba9cff1_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247725819/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8247726575_9b8b80d4eb_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247726575/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8248795626_7f92a02d63_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248795626/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8247729447_7f554193f0_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247729447/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:14 PM

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8247730695_9f3d353690_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247730695/)

DAY 5: NOVEMBER 28: AUCKLAND AIRPORT SPOTTING

We spent about 4 hours at the spotting location on Puhinui Road; it is a great spot for RWY23L arrivals. RWY23L departures can be seen but 300mm+ is needed for descent photos. RWY05R departures would be good as well and RWY05R arrivals you would probably need 400mm+. Here are some of my photos.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8248812544_e69a77c119_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248812544/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8247745973_3fb9a4b13d_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247745973/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8247746579_1c823c4cd2_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247746579/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8247747263_3dfffc10f7_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247747263/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8248815174_96a5cd8760_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248815174/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8247748501_9c4b4e2d70_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247748501/)

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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8247753569_593d751232_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247753569/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:15 PM

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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8247761121_21157ccce9_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247761121/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8248829510_a0b441dd0e_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248829510/)

DAY 6: NOVEMBER 29: AUCKLAND TO WELLINGTON, WELLINGTON TO QUEENSTOWN, QUEENSTOWN AND SKYLINE GONDOLA

AUCKLAND AIRPORT

We caught the 7am shuttle to the domestic terminal. We checked in using the self-services kiosks which was quick and easy. We then passed through security and went up to the boarding gates to do some spotting before our 9:30 flight to Wellington. Our plane arrived 30 minutes before we were due to leave and it was ZK-NGJ, I was looking forward to flying on a classic Boeing 737 again.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8247786729_3232e7a65c_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247786729/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8247787549_272906ee36_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247787549/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8247788239_1f1343db97_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247788239/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8248856186_229d9ec5df_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248856186/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:15 PM

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8248857028_ed0a00e42a_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248857028/)

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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8248859382_71d97fb56c_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248859382/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8248860188_9b71a9beb4_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248860188/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8248861024_517e32cb0f_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248861024/)

November 29, 2012
Air New Zealand
NZ417
AKL-WLG
ZK-NGJ B733
Seat 13F

On-board the classic
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8247802417_1d6af59286.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247802417/)

Air New Zealand’s new “The Hobbit” safety video was played which is hilarious! We were then taxiing out to RWY23L for a departure down south to Wellington.

International Terminal down there
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8248870464_2381d6f4e7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248870464/)

Making the turn to the south, the B733 sure is an awesome aircraft, had quite a steep climb out!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8247803791_efffbf6924.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247803791/)

Getting above the clouds
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8247804509_79a738187c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247804509/)

Passing an awesome snow topped mountain down below
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8248872498_44163e042c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248872498/)

Descending into Wellington
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8248873100_e9bcd3b178.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248873100/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8247806481_d772de1751.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247806481/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8247807233_e18bba0daa.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247807233/)

On finals for RWY34
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8247807939_8c69856efb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247807939/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:16 PM

Taxiing to our gate
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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8248877006_4286d83fb6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248877006/)

Interior shot
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8247810671_70ff677232.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247810671/)

Middle of Middle Earth!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8247824189_cdd927b1c5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247824189/)

ZK-NGJ!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8248892764_a4c02595a0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248892764/)

WELLINGTON AIRPORT

We made our way to our gate for the flight down to Queenstown seeing as we only had an hour connection. I managed to get a few photos from our gate; I finally managed to catch Vincent Aviation’s BAe-146 ZK-ECO.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8248893740_3d22421e07_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248893740/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8248894624_ec4ae648f1_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248894624/)

Our aircraft arrived about 30 minutes before we were due out, it was ZK-MCW. Boarding commenced on-time so we made our way out to the ATR72!

November 29, 2012
Air New Zealand
NZ5401
WLG-ZQN
ZK-MCW AT72
Seat 9D

On our way out to ZK-MCW
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8248932208_bc6d74bf08.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248932208/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8248931298_d7b846667d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248931298/)

Interior, it certainly looks out dated compared to the Virgin ATR72s in my opinion, it was still comfortable.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8247866323_239658de5d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247866323/)

It was definitely a full flight, and the captain went on the p/a system and said there was a problem! Because of weather in Queenstown the plane had to take on extra fuel, meaning that the aircraft was now over its MTOW. So he said there was two options, option 1 was to unload 150kg of bags which would get us under the limit or two passengers could volunteer to hop off and be put on a flight to Queenstown via Auckland, with access to the Air New Zealand lounge in Auckland and a $200 Air New Zealand voucher. I was interested! I asked Josh in front of me if he wanted to do it as well, but before he could say yes, two passengers at the back volunteered! Oh well. So the two passengers got off the plane to the applause of all the other passengers and the crew on-board! So after that, we were all clear to go to Queenstown!

Lining up on RWY34
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8248933792_8020dbabcf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248933792/)

Beginning the 180 degree turn to the south
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Wellington Airport
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Wellington City and Airport
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Mountains of the South Island
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8248938296_abbb6eed3a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248938296/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:17 PM

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8247872309_2fc0106241.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247872309/)

The first half of the flight was nice and smooth; however the final half was very bumpy! And when we began our descent into Queenstown it didn’t get any better! But once we made it under the cloud cover it was fine.

Finals for RWY23
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8248939652_fe8e4dbf49.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248939652/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8248940534_e2a4e3463d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248940534/)

And we’re here!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8247874631_82ea2f4b6a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247874631/)

Interior
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8248942160_705d33e29a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248942160/)

QUEENSTOWN

I was amazed by Queenstown right away, what an amazing place! We caught a taxi to our hotel, the Discovery Sherwood Hotel which was very nice! It is half way between Frankton and the airport and Queenstown which was very convenient. Transport was easy with regular buses both ways, $4 to Queenstown, $5 to Frankton and $7 to the Airport. Once we settled in to the room we caught the bus to Queenstown and had a look around and also went up the Skyline Gondola which is amazing!

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Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:18 PM

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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8247997179_8953b9df57_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8247997179/)

DAY 7: NOVEMBER 30: QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT

Well today was meant to be the day we do our Milford Sound Fly/Cruise/Fly tour! I called 10 minutes before pick up for the weather to find that the tour has been cancelled due to bad weather at Milford Sound!!! I was very disappointed as I had really been looking forward to the tour. I asked what my options were and they said that they would put us on the 12:30pm tour. At 11pm I called for the weather check and the 12:30pm tour was cancelled!!! They said that there would be no flights today because of the weather so I rescheduled for the following day at 8am and hoped for the best!

We hadn’t planned what we would do if the tour was cancelled, so we just decided to go to the airport for a while, we ended up spending 3-4 hours there, time sure flies when you’re in such an amazing place like Queenstown. Queenstown Airport was pretty good, there always seemed to be a commercial plane on the ground whilst we were there, the most we saw at one time was three planes, there was also a lot of Helicopter and light plane movements. Here are some of my photos.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8248608017_09438c4db1_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248608017/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8249676496_fd3a58f03d_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249676496/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8249677166_13933df099_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249677166/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8249677590_4af3932f29_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249677590/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8249677944_b9fcb6e17d_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249677944/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8249678574_137011f88f_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249678574/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8248611485_860572a24f_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248611485/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8249679606_d43eff23b9_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249679606/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8249680444_3eea627940_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249680444/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:18 PM

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8249681216_e0dbd0b93c_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249681216/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8249681664_1247fe8ba1_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249681664/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8249682330_fe82be94ed_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249682330/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8249682794_1438f54338_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249682794/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8248615687_13d38ab28d_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248615687/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8248616047_d87fa6e428_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248616047/)

Frankton Golf Course is right next to the airport and certainly makes for a good spotting location. We just made sure that when people playing golf came along that we got out of their way. After an awesome time spotting we went back to the hotel and relaxed for the rest of the day.

DAY 8: DECEMBER 1: QUEENSTOWN

Got up at 6:30am and got ready for the Milford Sound tour, called at 7am for the weather check, and again, cancelled! I asked if there would be any flights later and they said that they would not be flying to Milford Sound today! So we had to cancel it, because the following morning we would be off to Brisbane! I emailed the company when I got back to Brisbane and they have fully refunded it, I guess will have to try again some other time :D

We went into Queenstown for the day and had a look around, bought some souvenirs and what not. We had a look around Queenstown Bay and saw that there were one and a half hour cruises around Lake Wakatipu and the Frankton Arm for $25 which I thought was good, so we decided to do it. Turned out that we were the only two booked on it, so we had the whole boat to ourselves!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8248663731_06ed67cdd1_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248663731/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8248664559_454b6dff57_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248664559/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8249733092_90d4449a07_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249733092/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8249734052_4154e98a02_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249734052/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8249734974_b64e81de0a_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249734974/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8248668333_274741daa0_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248668333/)

After a great day in Queenstown we made our way back to the hotel! Tomorrow we would be going home :(

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:20 PM

DAY 9: DECEMBER 2: QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH, CHRISTCHURCH TO AUCKLAND, AUCKLAND PLANE SPOTTING AND AUCKLAND TO BRISBANE

QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT

We got to the airport just after 7am for the 8:45am departure. I certainly didn’t want to leave Queenstown; it is such a stunning place!

Check-In
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8248677005_fc0a831f99.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248677005/)

Control Tower
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8249745418_4bc9b0a5d0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249745418/)

Our aircraft overnighted in Queenstown and it was ZK-MCY
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8248678249_150b3cea3f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248678249/)

Boarding commenced on-time and I was first in line!

December 2, 2012
Air New Zealand
NZ5370
ZQN-CHC
ZK-MCY AT72
Seat 9A

Interior
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8249746736_0bc59d8547.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249746736/)

The view!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8249747508_66af8047b5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249747508/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8248680311_6b14a0aa74.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248680311/)

Backtracking RWY23
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8249748782_e01d6e415a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249748782/)

And we’re off!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8249749508_82c3c070ed.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249749508/)

360 degree turn, to gain height I would assume
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8249750190_ff2c45079a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249750190/)

Goodbye Queenstown :(
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8249750638_44b43a6307.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249750638/)

We had some amazing views as we made our way over to Christchurch
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8248683657_334cff6a3d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248683657/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8249752276_1a7b3a66b3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249752276/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8248685095_94d92f199f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248685095/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8249753462_ded7768def.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249753462/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:20 PM

Descending into Christchurch
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8248691301_971199a58a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248691301/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8249759892_7f77e53974.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249759892/)

On finals for RWY02
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8248692629_2f2ffe24f8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248692629/)

And we’re in Christchurch
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8249761186_29659f4a47.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249761186/)

Taxiing to our gate
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8248693797_23e40f6845.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248693797/)

CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT

We disembarked the aircraft and made our way over to the main terminal for our flight up to Auckland. Again we only had an hour connection. This flight I knew we had the possibility of getting an All Blacks aircraft! I couldn’t wait so I went on flight radar 24 to see which aircraft we would get. NZ509 was inbound from Auckland so I knew this would be our plane and its rego was…ZK-OJR! We would be getting an All Blacks livery plane :D

Coming into our gate
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8249779856_67e66695e6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249779856/)

ZK-OJR arrived about 30 minutes late so that delayed our flight, no need to worry though because we had a 6 hour wait in Auckland for our flight to Brisbane!

December 2, 2012
Air New Zealand
NZ510
CHC-AKL
ZK-OJR A320
Seat 16A

Boarding
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8249780478_fe48506f32.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249780478/)

All Black Interior!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8249781214_13350890e9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249781214/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8249781928_a09b61453e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249781928/)

Love the Black wing tip!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8248714849_c3215c5865.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248714849/)

We departed off RWY02 beginning the quick hop to Auckland
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8248715519_84fe183347.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248715519/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8249783954_b4f1364b65.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249783954/)

A young boy at the front of the aircraft said to one of the flight attendants that he wanted to be a flight attendant when he grows up. So the crew said they would give him some training and let him help them out with the snack service, which I thought was extremely nice of the crew.

Cruising
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8249784592_cf13a4b9a5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249784592/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:21 PM

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8248717409_c8dc849ebc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248717409/)

Crossing over to the North Island
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8249785638_f509da2099.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249785638/)

Descending into Auckland
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8249786136_de51fac747.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249786136/)

Finals for RWY23L
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8248719097_4c04dd9d01.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8248719097/)

Back in Auckland
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8249787172_8ab6acf8d7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249787172/)

At the gate, just across from the other All Black A320 (ZK-OAB)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8249787788_497b74e4d3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249787788/)

The awesome interior again
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8249788600_b82ce79a5e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8249788600/)

AUCKLAND AIRPORT

We arrived only about 20 minutes late. We collected our bags and walked to the international terminal. Since check-in didn’t open for another 2 hours, we grabbed some lunch and went up to the observation deck. Saw some good movements whilst there, my favourite would have to have been Air Tahiti Nui. I had always wanted to see Air Tahiti Nui; it is definitely one of the best liveries out there. Our Emirates Boeing 777-300ER arrived and it was A6-ECQ. Here are a few of the photos.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8251605888_92c1114360_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251605888/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8251606812_31ffb2769f_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251606812/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8251607728_73f77a3c97_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251607728/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8250540231_5f6e0c4b87_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250540231/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8251609844_b5bef301f3_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251609844/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8250542465_83a1f9c3f9_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250542465/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8250543513_53d93b7a95_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250543513/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:21 PM

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8251612928_2773d41e43_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251612928/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8251613756_62efb67bdf_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251613756/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8250546177_ef83a61d6b_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250546177/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8251615526_3ffd1002d0_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251615526/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8250548059_8832ee2e0e_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250548059/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8250548971_468dce2719_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250548971/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8251618372_6128a93726_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251618372/)

Once the three Emirates flights arrived we went down to the check-in area and checked-in for our flight. We then went through customs and security. We had a look at what was there, had something to eat and just relaxed before the flight home.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8250550939_f37d37cf6d_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250550939/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8251620330_22384821de_q.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251620330/)

Boarding commenced on-time and that meant an end to our awesome New Zealand trip!

December 2, 2012
Emirates
EK435
AKL-BNE
A6-ECQ B77W
Seat 18K

Welcome aboard!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8251635330_00cf25855a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251635330/)

We pushed back about 15 minutes early, and with a flight time of only 3 hours, we we’re due into Brisbane at 6:20pm instead of the scheduled 7pm. Because of the persistent rain, I didn’t take any photos until we got above the cloud.

Photos along the way!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8251635918_b0e1a95d1f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251635918/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8251636520_5f34dd4795.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251636520/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8250568705_2dfd6b5a82.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250568705/)

About half way
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8251638072_78b72212bd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251638072/)

During the flight I watched a movie and a couple of episodes of two and a half men.

Getting closer
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8250570227_453797f2b8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250570227/)

Brandon Giacomin

9th December 2012, 04:22 PM

Awesome view of the engine
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8251639328_24eef29f43.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251639328/)

Descending
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8250571887_400a47ed1f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250571887/)

Left turn
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8251640984_bf3c0f4540.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251640984/)

Descending into Brisbane
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8250573239_c93f7bd2b8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250573239/)

Finals for RWY01 over the Gateway Bridges
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8250574171_47a07b8e2b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250574171/)

Short finals
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8250575061_962df2352b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250575061/)

Home
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8251644458_fba5d9d52c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251644458/)

Passing the domestic
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8250576797_03d20e1ab1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250576797/)

At the gate
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8251646260_4c1d265152.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251646260/)

Business Class
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8251647282_e3d6cf15bc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251647282/)

Just as I was about to hop off, I was called back by a flight attendant. He saw me taking photos of Business Class so he asked if I would like to see First Class! It was very kind of him to offer and of course I would like to see first!

First Class, very nice!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8251648352_e1fb924f89.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8251648352/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8250580863_29aa541cdd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250580863/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8250581847_0e9a8e0953.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/8250581847/)

We thanked him and then left the aircraft. Customs and boarder security wasn’t a problem; we went to the pick-up area. Josh was picked up right away, I had a 15 minute wait and then it was back home!

CONCLUSION:

What an amazing trip! I had an absolutely amazing time. All the flights were great, Qantas was good as always and business class was awesome! My first impressions of Emirates and Air New Zealand were very positive. Emirates were great, awesome aircraft, great staff and fantastic IFE made for two great flights. Air New Zealand was also very good, very friendly staff and comfortable aircraft. I will definitely fly with both airlines in the future.

Accommodation was fantastic in Auckland and Queenstown, the Formule 1 hotel in Sydney was okay, but nowhere near as good as the hotels in NZ.

Spotting in Sydney was awesome as always. Managed to finally go to the mound and the beach and both were great. Auckland and Queenstown spotting was awesome as well. Auckland City was nice, the tours were very good, but my favourite place was definitely Queenstown! Such a stunning place! I loved it so much I plan on returning in winter next year to see it covered in snow! I will definitely stay longer next time too.

Thank you very much for reading.

Next trip for me is January 6th up to Gladstone for the day to try out the Boeing 717!

Also, Josh took a few videos on the trip of our takeoffs and landings. Here are the links...

QF8 landing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSEYF_NK1R8&feature=g-user-u

EK412 takeoff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTeLGkYI7PM&feature=g-user-u

EK412 landing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Be9qzSyLY&feature=g-user-u

NZ417 takeoff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqlhjSoT8Sc&feature=g-user-u

NZ417 landing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6PtAlZKbcY&feature=g-user-u

NZ5401 takeoff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMlIAnkX7D4&feature=g-user-u

NZ5401 landing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLOfwYOuuh4&feature=g-user-u

NZ5370 landing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aOQ-IV5Ii4&feature=g-user-u

NZ510 takeoff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAAu0tgDKbo&feature=g-user-u

NZ510 landing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLPDOJDKX4A&feature=g-user-u

EK435 takeoff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQH7NjjbUJk&feature=g-user-u