AUCKLAND to CHRISTCHURCH (AKL-CHC) on NZ 737-300

Another day, yet more travel to be done. Another couple of previously unflown domestic routes, plus a new international destination (at least new flying Air NZ), several different aircraft types, several different lounges.

Again I set off in the early darkness for the airport, have a walk, check in and play the blocked seat lottery (is the lack of available forward seats to select due to flight being full or due to blocked middle seat for elites?), clear security and up to the lounge. Oh and I spend some time on the observation deck watching the comings and goings - all international flights at this time of day. Some very early departures, which I'm glad not to be on today.

I grab breakfast and check email and FT. The computers seem even slower today. The flight is full. As with yesterday extensive cloud cover most of the way. We hit some unexpected turbulence with a couple of big stomach churning drops over north Canterbury. The patchy very low cloud around Christchurch delays our arrival as there is greater than normal separation between flights.

This time I remembered to get a sweet at the time of the drink service.

In marked contrast to Christchurch yesterday it is a chilly autumnal day and almost 20C colder - brrr.