Travelled on NZ2 last week. Thought there might be some people here interested in the inflight experience.
NZ2 - 777-300ER
Unsure on specific load factor. Many spare seats available in all classes. Other passengers in J were seated in A and K seats.
Service was great, and the staff on board were very attentive. I noticed no differences in the nature of drink top-ups, offers to set up beds, or general helpfulness of the crew. However, the inflight ordering system remained disabled for the entire flight.
The snack basket was available in the galley, with OSM bars, cookies, chocolate etc as per usual.
Pre-departure beverage was offered, but no hot towel. Amenity kit provided, but no menu. Crew proceeded through the cabin before takeoff and asked all J passengers "Chicken, Lamb or Salmon". Further meal details were hard to come by, but I had the impression that the full dietary info was available upon request.
Post-departure beverage service took place as usual, with the exception of a bag of chips instead of the usual warm nuts.
Dinner service was all on one tray. Possibly the same as the Premium Economy meals, but that just might've been me getting fooled by the plating. I chose the lamb (which was quite tasty), along with the Wairau River Chardonnay and the Te Mata Estate Gamay Noir. Also worth noting that it was served quite quickly after take off, although this might have been due to the low load-factor.
Dessert was a Kapiti ice cream tub, which was larger than the ones usually served in Economy.
Breakfast was again served on one tray, with all the usual side options available. Main meal options were "Omelette, scrambled eggs or pancakes". The service took place two hours prior to arrival.
LAX Arrival
Many passengers donned masks and gloves as we pulled up to the gate at TBIT. Going through US immigration was fast and efficient, although it was alarming to be asked no Covid-19 questions whatsoever. No guidance was given for any isolation or distancing requirements, or what I should do if I started feeling unwell.