Seat2A, what a great trip report - thanks! Loved the detailed descriptions of the contrasts in style between AS / BA / NZ. That must have taken hours to write, so believe me it is appreciated - I hope you can be persuaded to do the same on your return trip!

I couldn't agree with you more about AirShow and the view out the window being two of the most entertaining things on any plane. I hate being deprived of my window seat, even if it's only boring old ocean to look out on. I remember when I used to fly a lot domestically in the UK, often the only sunshine I would see all week would be at 30,000 feet - and it never failed to lift cheer me up.

Glad to hear you enjoyed NZ's J-class service. I always find NZ the friendliest of airlines. I was interested that you said your 767 seat had electronic legrests - obviously I didn't figure that out when I flew trans-tasman in J, or else there are variations out there. I'm not so sure about the barefoot travellers phenomenon - knowing how attractive my feet are (not) I'd never inflict them on others. I also had a good laugh at your response to the domestic meal - for those of us used to that level of service on short hops (of course, all domestic flights in NZ are short hops) you can imagine what a shock it is to fly 2 or 3 hour domestic flights in the US and get only a bag of pretzels and an OJ!

So, what are your plans for 2 months in NZ? Sounds like you know the place well so you've probably got something figured out. Whatever you do, have a great time, and save your strength for the return trip report!

PS: The Nelson Lakes is one of my favourite hiking areas too - quite a few years ago at New Year I did a trip up Lake Rotoroa on the water taxi, then hiked up the D'Urville valley and over the pass (I forget what it's called) to Blue Lake (one of my favourite places in all the world) for NYE (having lugged a hipflask of whisky all that way for the celebrations) and then back down the Sabine river. Magic!