Flying Air New Zealand Business Premier

We were excited to be invited by Tourism New Zealand to attend the inaugural Michelin Guide Award ceremony. This is the first time the Michelin Guide has arrived in Oceania, and we were looking forward to dine at some of the potential Michelin Star Restaurants as well as be part of this historic event.

But the cream on the cake was when we found out we would be flying Business Class on Air New Zealand! This was a real bonus. Lisa and I usually book ourselves in Economy, so this was a rare treat.

Partner Lounges

One of the perks of flying New Zealand Business Premier is access to select Star Alliance partner lounges, including the SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport.

The SilverKris Lounge has quite a reputation and it certainly lived up to the hype. This is not your usual lounge with a few sandwiches and packets of biscuits. The spread felt almost like a hotel buffet. You get cold cuts, hot dishes like dim sum and curries, desserts, wines, premium beverages, and there was even a live station where you can order a bowl of Laksa. They had a cocktail bar too. The bartender happily mixed us inventive cocktails like an Umami Mary and Expresso Martini.

Service on Board Air New Zealand Business Premier

Once onboard, the crew greeted us warmly and got us our first drink as we settled into our seats. The herringbone configuration feels a little strange when you first sit down. But the seat gives you plenty of room to stretch your legs on their ottoman seat. Frankly, once you are settled, you’d soon forget about it.

The crew was attentive and friendly and made me feel very welcome. I enjoyed the meal service, which came in three separate courses. I was particularly taken with the stewed beef and pumpkin puree, which was sublimely tender.

We were given an amenity kit with all the essentials for the flight. Socks, which I put on immediately for the entire journey, a toothbrush, moisturising cream, lip balm, earplugs, even a pen.

Entertainment comes on an 11 inch HD touchscreen. I managed to catch a young Ken Watanabe in Clint Eastwood’s Letters from Iwo Jima, produced by Steven Spielberg. I have always liked Spielberg’s war films, and this one goes deep into the cruel realities of war on both sides.

When it was finally time for bed, the attendant turned my seat into a fully flat bed. Proper mattress, pillow and duvet included. I managed 4 hours of shut-eye which was good enough for me. My body still remembers my early hospital training days, where we were doing 36-hour shifts on minimal sleep. So, I still managed to function normally the next day till I finally crashed at night!

I woke up to a light breakfast and the first light of a brand new day. Flying Business Premier made the long journey feel like part of the holiday, rather than just a commute to get there.

The check-in experience in Auckland

I was pleasantly surprised on the way back to find a special Air New Zealand Premier Check-in Lounge at Auckland Airport. It made the whole process feel calm and unhurried. No queues, no stress, just an easy start to a long flight home.

Before boarding, we had time to freshen up with a shower at the Air New Zealand Lounge. They’ve got fresh towels, shampoo, body wash and hair dryers in the shower rooms. Just remember to pack other toiletries. If you have ever done a long haul flight, you will know just how much a hot shower before boarding can change how you feel for the next 10 hours.

The flight back to Singapore was just as comfortable as the one out. Same warm and attentive service throughout. It was the perfect way to close out an unforgettable trip.

Do catch our video on the full foodie journey through Wellington and Auckland, including our front row seats at New Zealand’s inaugural Michelin Guide ceremony.

Disclosure
Our Business Premier Flights were sponsored by Air New Zealand.
 

Print