Did a search under "Sydney", "SYD", "Auckland", "AKL" and "TransTasman" and got nothing, so here goes...

I managed to get one of those UA SFO-AKL Business Class fares ($1500 all in) and decided to fly EMIRATES from SYD-AKL rather than QF or NZ to experience its Business Class on a 777. In the past a AKL I've noticed two or three EMIRATES aircraft on the tarmac and wondered why so many at such a small remote city/airport?

Has anyone flown this route recently and if so, what were your impressions versus other routes? Flight is at 10:15am so assume lunch will be the meal. Also, how is the SYD lounge? EMIRATES website indicates it has showers (I'll have flown "overnight"). Seating assigned was 7F (had no option) though this is not noted as a particularly preferred seat from the sticky thread. Will likely fly onto Wellington, so won't use the comp limo service into Auckland.

Thanks for any notes people can provide.