What is the scoop about cabin luggage on some of the really little planes on internal flights? On my planned trip to NZ I have various flights booked such as DUD-CHC-NSN, NSN-WLG-NPE and TUO-AKL-KKE. There will be three of us with one standard suitcase each as hold luggage, but also at least one 41" L+H+W total dimensions piece of cabin luggage between us.

Now the AirNZ website states that cabin luggage of this size is allowed on AirNZ Link internal flights ..... but where exactly is it going? Some of these small planes do not actually have overhead lockers. Does 41" L+H+W size cabin luggage get loaded into the hold as you board the plane, or is it supposed to be checked in? (If so, are you allowed 1 item of ordinary checked hold luggage AND 1 item of checked "cabin" luggage per person?)