WELLINGTON to CHRISTCHURCH (WLG-CHC) on NZ 737-300

I have enough time to grab a coffee but little else. The Qantas 737-400 on trans-Tasman duties which arrives in the morning and departs in the evening is parked up just beyond the prop finger pier. It’s usual daytime parking spot at the gate by the end of the Qantas/International pier is currently having the apron undergo maintenance.

As is often the case with 737 flights, the first call is rather early and a call to head to the gate not a boarding call. I ignore it knowing there is at least 10 minutes to go before I have to go the few metres to the gate. Sure enough, 10 minutes later a final call is made, I head downstairs to gate security (laptop out) and yeah boarding is only two thirds complete. Load is again about 70% so plenty of room, and this time no problem putting my carry on in the overhead bin.

The flight departs on time and is soon out of the Wellington cloud. I enjoy the fine views of Marlborough from the Sounds, the Wairau and Awatere Valleys and the Inland and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. I notice the lack of snow on the peaks – a late start to winter this year, not good for ski bunnies.

The short 737 flight has buy on board, water and boiled sweets, but no hot drinks.

We fly parallel to the coast so see Kaikoura peninsula before once again overflying low cloud over northern Canterbury. The skies clear in sight of Banks Peninsula and the city. We track further east than normal, much closer to the mouth of the braided Waimakariri River, over parts of the city with the airport to our right and below. It looks like a Virgin Blue flight is on its takeoff roll. We turn and land to the north a little behind schedule. Surprisingly we get a prop gate rather than an airbridge. As we approach the terminal I see why – far more Air NZ 737’s than I’d expect based on the airline’s schedule. Maybe there is some mechanical issue? Or a charter or freight only flight? A number of flights to the main cities were late, so I would guess an a/c went mechanical.

With arrival at a prop gate this means I have to again clear security (yes laptop out) to reach the lounge, to which I head.