PNS-ATL-LAX-BNE-CHC or 1hr-(3hr layover)-4hr-(4hr layover)-14hr- (2hr layover)-4hr
Starting off our NZ Journey we had our 2 Delta Flights to LAX, nothing too major to report. Angela had a good nap on our first flight to ATL.
We spent a little time in the ATL Sky Lounge to pass the time while there, the 2nd best thing in the ATL airport. If you haven’t been in ATL for a while we suggest you go check out the walkway between Terminal A and Terminal B. This is our favorite part of the ATL airport that you just have to experience. It’s designed to feel like you’re walking through a rainforest with faux leaves hanging from the ceiling to sounds of birds flying overhead… even simulated water drops fall from the sky.
Once we got to LAX we were on a Virgin Australia ticket. (so, no airport lounge access at that point. Looks like VA is waiting for a contract to expire to join the Sky Team network) Having our bags checked all the way to CHC we didn’t have to leave the Security to get our VA Tickets, but we did have to find a way to check into our VA flight since we weren’t able to in PNS or online…. Still trying to figure that one out. We do have to give kudos to the Emirates Airline Rep (they share a airport lounge with VA) that called the outside gate agent and worked it out so that all we had to do was pick up our ticket at the terminal gate. From there, we decided to get a bite to eat and a beer from one of the airport bars (ok, it was a steakhouse bar that overlooked the terminal). Great burger with a pleasant side of mushrooms (must have been 4-5 different types of mushrooms that came sautéed as a side.)
Flying Virgin Airways was a first for both of us. We must say we like how they do things differently. On both of our flights we booked a window and an aisle seat hoping that the middle seat wouldn’t get booked, and …. it didn’t!!!! (so we had the whole row (of 3 seats) to ourselves. What Virgin Australia did well on our long hauls was that they had water and snacks available the whole time, self-serve. This was a nice option so no one had to wait for the flight attendant when a drink was needed. Also, what we LOVED about the flight was that VA used the seat monitors to make the announcements instead using the overhead loud system every time they needed to say something. Unfortunately we didn’t get to use the walk-up bar that they had in First Class but it was pretty cool to see that theyhad that as an option.
Once we arrived in CHC we made a beeline straight to customs and the luggage carousel so that we could get on the road ASAP. But…like with all travel you have to expect the unexpected. Our first 2 bags came off the belt quickly but our 3rd never made it. So we had to go to the baggage claim desk and file a report. While this is never any way you want to start your trip, the nice lady behind the counter actually made it enjoyable. It’ll be interesting to see if we’ll ever see our “shoe bag” again since we’ll be hoping all over the South Island this week.
Now that we made it though the airport it was time for us to get the rental car. Luckily, (I say that with jest) our rental car agent (GO Rentals) was a trainee… That was fun. So after about an hour or so check-in process we were on our way. Adam is the driver for this trip and Angela, the amazing nav. Oh, and by the way, they drive on the other (wrong) side of the road here. Adam, even after traveling for almost 30 hours straight and understandably exhausted, managed to stay on the correct side as we drove out of the city, he was a little nervous but got the hang of it quickly. We just had to remember to NOT say to ourselves “Right on Red”.
As we traveled outside of Christchurch and the hustle and bustle of the city, we really began to see our first glimpses of the beauty of NZ. The roads were windingand the air, the views, the green – it’s just simply amazing.
(photos to come, cruise ship folks just hopped on the wifi and are using to it to FaceTime everybody and their brother they possibly know tying up all the bandwidth)
Update: Now…as promised, pictures! And some more really great scenic photos to come on the next post. We will have Wifi tonight! Hooray!!
Great idea to book the window and the aisle seats, some first bumps on the trip, but you made it! Have a great time you two.
So far so good! Can’t believe we got lucky on the seats on BOTH flights.