After an incredible journey through New Zealand, exploring vibrant Auckland, historic Dunedin, and the breathtaking beauty of Stewart Island / Rakiura, it’s time to head home. The trip has been filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences that will be cherished long after the suitcases are unpacked.
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My journey home begins with an Air New Zealand flight from Dunedin to Christchurch aboard an ATR 72-600. This short hop offers a comfortable ride, friendly service, and scenic views over New Zealand’s stunning South Island landscape.
The Aircraft
ZK-MVD is an Air New Zealand ATR 72-600, part of the airline’s regional fleet operated by Air New Zealand Link through Mount Cook Airline. This twin engine turboprop serves domestic routes across New Zealand, offering efficient, reliable service with comfortable seating and scenic low altitude flights, connecting smaller communities to major cities while showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes.
The Seat
Air New Zealand’s ATR 72-600 aircraft are configured in a single class layout with 68–72 economy seats in a 2-2 arrangement. Seats are slimline, with reasonable legroom for short regional flights, and large windows ideal for enjoying New Zealand’s scenery. Overhead storage is smaller than on jet aircraft, so larger carry on bags may need to be gate checked.
While there’s no seat back entertainment, the large windows offer their own show, sweeping views of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes easily keep you entertained throughout the flight, making the journey memorable.
Legroom on the Air New Zealand ATR 72 is quite decent for a regional aircraft, offering enough space to sit comfortably and enjoy the short flight without feeling cramped.
The Entertainment
As mentioned, there’s no inflight entertainment on the Air New Zealand ATR 72, but each seat pocket holds a copy of the airline’s inflight magazine, something you don’t see much of these days, perfect for passing the time and discovering some travel inspiration.
Of course, my main source of inspiration is the route map, though it only displays destinations without the connecting lines between routes, which is a slight disappointment for this aviation enthusiast.
My other favourite page to check is the one with fleet information (okay, maybe I’m an aviation geek, not just an aviation enthusiast…)
Of course there are the magnificent views to take in… Such as the take off from Dunedin
…and the landing in Christchurch.
The Food and Beverage
On this short flight, we’re offered tea, coffee, or water along with a small snack. The creamy lemon bites are unexpectedly delicious, and I polish them off in no time.
Before landing, we’re offered a “landing lolly” (or “landing candy,” depending on where you’re from). It’s a charmingly old school touch, but still an effective, and a tasty way to ease ear pressure during descent.
The Service
Service is efficient and to the point, there are 72 passengers on this packed flight to serve in just 50 minutes, not counting takeoff and landing. It’s polite, professional, and impressively quick.
Conclusion
Overall, the experience was smooth, efficient, and enjoyable. From the friendly yet quick service to the comfortable seating and scenic views, the flight delivered exactly what a short regional journey should, convenience, reliability, and a pleasant start to my next flight.
Matty Somewhere 
A practical ‘nice-to-know–how-they-do-it’ – thank you! Legroom does seem a wee bit tight 🙂 !
Thank you Eha! I am only 5’9″ so the legroom was fine for me! x
*smiling* Being 5 inches shorter I should be OK then !!!
Short and sweet! Have you ever tried those AIRNZ flights where you get the whole row to yourself and you can lie down fully? I feel as though if anyone has, it’s you 🙂