I settle into my new seat for the return. Business class is very empty - 2 pilots from the flight over, myself and 2 other paying pax. Economy is slightly fuller than the flight over, maybe 2/3 full.

The cabin crew are really chatty and so the pre-departure drink only arrives moments before the safety video is played. Glad I chose water to gulp down.

We taxi and take off with very short roll. There are great views of the islands on both sides, in between the scattered cloud. It takes a while to get the dvd players set up (they first took meal and drink orders, handed out arrival cards for NZ, served drinks and vege crisps) and so mindful of the short flight I chose a short movie. The pilot behind me doesn't choose as wisely and misses the last few minutes when his player is collected on final approach to Auckland.