Originally Posted by
sbiddle
You only need to check-in if you're physically at the airport and have bags. Despite the fact NZ have OLCI there is no acetal need for it unless you're non HVC and want to select a seat before you get to the airport.
If you're carry on only check-in in not required, and if you visit Koru it automatically checks you in.
I suspect no one wants the middle seat so I'd advise checking in purely for that reason. Even if on a short hop I get irritated not being by the window. You could change in the lounge but thats pretty late if a main trunk route and full flight!