Cycle Touring on the South Island of New Zealand

by Susan Otcenas

Sunday, December 26, 2004 - Departure

Our afternoon flight from Portland to San Francisco was uneventful. After a layover, we boarded the Boeing 747 that would take us to Auckland. We entered the 1st class cabin and could hardly believe our eyes. Seats the size of small Laziboy recliners, with a good 6 feet between rows! Talk about leg room.

Jeff relaxing in 1st class.

"Pop!!" went the cork on the Dom Perignon champagne bottle. Yes, champagne all around in 1st class, along with small dishes of appetizers. Wow. Most of the passengers hadn't even boarded the plane yet, and we were already drinking champagne.

There were 2 flight attendants in 1st class (and only nine passengers) and they took care of us pretty much exclusively for the next 13 hours. The "in-flight service director" Tina spent 5 minutes personally introducing herself to us and ensuring we were comfortable.

Jeff's description of the flight was apt. "Flying 1st class", he said, "is like eating at a fine restaurant where they let you sleep at the table." I know it sounds crazy, but the food was fabulous. Once in the air, we chose from a selection of fine New Zealand and Australian wines (Merlot for Jeff and a nice Pinot Noir for me). For appetizers, Jeff chose the Crab Cakes while I settled on the Vegetable Antipasta, with silken tofu, edamame, roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, portabella mushrooms and grilled zucchini. Salad was fresh greens with warm toasted pecans and a balsamic vinaigrette. A selection of breads (with olive oil for dipping) was followed by our main courses. Jeff dined on Sauteed Filet of Halibut with grilled shrimp and fennel mash, and an herb truffle sauce. I had the Vegetable Potato Tortilla. At this point, I was stuffed, but Jeff found room for the Apricot Pistachio Bavarian Crème dessert.

Who had any idea that airlines served anything other than cardboard sandwiches and luke warm "beef or chicken"??

After dinner, we watched a movie, and went to bed. The very best thing about 1st class is the seats. They fully recline, and the leg rests come all the way up. Big pillows, nice blankets, complimentary eye covers, and 8 solid hours of sleep is yours for the taking.

We were gently awoken 2 hours before landing. Breakfast was smoothies, fresh fruit, Belgian waffles with strawberries, fresh croissants with jam and marmalade… Someone get me off this plane - I've gained 5 pounds on this flight!

Sunrise over Auckland

NEXT PAGE: Arrival in Christchurch