After I flew to Hong Kong from Bangkok for transit by Cathay Pacific Flight CX700 and spent one free day in Fragrant Harbour, I continued my trip with the same airline, Cathay Pacific to my main destination of this trip, Auckland (New Zealand).

Herewith the flight detail for this route.

Route : Hong Kong (HKG) – Auckland (AKL)
Carrier : Cathay Pacific
Flight No. : CX113
ETD : 9.10 PM (GMT+8)
ETA : 11.55 AM ^{+1 day} (GMT+12)
Duration : 10 hours 45 minutes
Aircraft : Airbus A350-1000
Cabin Class : ECONOMY

.

I arrived Hong Kong International Airport by Airport Express Train at 5PM, almost 4 hours before departure time. It is quite early but it was on my plan because I spent the afternoon trip in Hong Kong in the warmest month of the year (August). I need more time to clean myself from sweaty body and change my outfit before flying with the overnight long-haul flight. Luckily, I prepare the waterless shower sheets in my backpack already. I could feel like I take a shower and comfortably sleeping thoughout the flight. 🤗

.

.

Cathay Pacific’s check-in counter at Hong Kong International Airport is at Row-A. The counter was open around 5.30PM. But I checked through my luggage since Bangkok already. I just could get the new boarding pass with updated boarding gate number here.

.

.

Once I got the boarding pass, I pass through the security checkpoint and immigration. It took about 20 minutes to complete the processes. I had time about 2.50 hours before flight time. As I am a KTC credit card holder, I got the privilege to use Plaza Premium Lounge for 2 hours. I could have the dinner before flight and relaxed there. 😎

.

.

.

.

When I had recharged and refreshed myself (as stomach is fulfilled), at 8.30PM, I walked to the boarding gate. Today, we would be boarding at Gate Number 3. Once I reached the gate, it had announcement that the flight was 40 minutes delayed due to late arrival of the aircraft. 😢😢

.

.

About 9.45PM, the boarding was started. The passengers did not need to show the passport. Just scan the boarding pass and show the face to the face-scanner as Hong Kong Airport has used face-recognition system already. The modern world !

.

.

The seats of economy class are arranged as 3-3-3. The seat pitch is super comfortable for long haul flight. It has sufficient room for my leg (my height is 183 cm). It had pillow and blanket for every seat. In front seat pocket, it had earphone, in-flight menu and duty free catalogue. PTV had plenty of movies but it was not quite recently updated.

.

.

.

.

Once the boarding was completed, at 10.15PM, the flight was pushed back and taken off. Then, after it was at cruising altitude and the seatbelt sign had been turned off. I started to survey the lavatory. It was well clean and equipped with hand soap and hand cream. It also had hot and cold water at washing basin too.

.

.

About 30 minutes after departure, cabin crew had served the dinner. For economy class, it had 2 choices, Steamed pork with rice or Paneer cheese curry with cumin rice. I selected the first one. Haagen dazs ice-cream and soft drink including tea or coffee had been served to all passengers too. Extremely nice meal service airline !

.

.

.

When my stomach was satisfied, it was the time for resting as I plan to start my exploration as soon as landing in New Zealand. Recharging time was the most important thing now. (ᴗ˳ᴗ)zzZ

🥱🥱🥱

😴😴😴😴😴

💤💤💤

2 hours before arrival, when I could see the sunlight, cabin crews started to serve the breakfast. It had 2 choices, Egg soufflé with sausage or Seafood congee. I chose the congee as I am more familiar with. It helped me to get sober before starting the new adventure. ⚡️

.

After breakfast was finished, I could enjoy the top view of New Zealand for a while. Then, the flight was descended and safely landed at Auckland International Airport. Even the departure was delayed about an hour, but the arrival was on-time ! 😀

.

.

.

Once I disembarked the aircraft, I followed the signs to international arrival and passed the immigration. All passengers entry New Zealand can complete the arrival card by online 2 days prior arrival at this link https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz. It really helped me to save the time at arrival as I did not need to fill the paper arrival card. 🤩

Furthermore, New Zealand is really strict on bringing food and medicine through the boarder. All passengers must declare all the foods and medicines bringing to the carry-on baggage and checked-in bag. And, all bag must be searched by the officers as well as inspected by police dog. Offender could get penalty minimum 400 NZD or more.

.

.

After I completed the immigration and carry-on baggage checkpoint, I could claim my checked-in at the belt number 2. It might seem that the arrival procedure is restricted and has many steps. But the overall process took only 30 – 45 minutes.

.

.

So far, I finished all processes to entry New Zealand. It meant “I COMPLETELY ARRIVE THE LAND OF KIWIS“. Next, to get in the city, the most convenient and cheapest way is to use Sky Drive Bus. It took about 25 minutes direct to Sky City Bus Terminal in Auckland CBD. Operating time is 5AM – 10PM daily. The ticket can be purchased in advance from online website. Indeed, passengers could pay to the driver, but for foreign passenger, I was not sure that credit card is whether accepted. I just saw New Zealander passenger paid by internet banking on mobile phone application.

I just walked out from International arrival terminal and searched for Bus Stop – E to wait the bus there. The bus arrived and departed on-time.

.

.

.

At 2.15PM, the bus took me to Sky City Bus Terminal exactly on-time. Just for your information, this is the central bus terminal of Auckland where the bus to/from another city and the day-tour bus. In addition, if you want to go to Auckland airport by Sky Drive Bus, you can board the bus from here too.

Then, I checked in at the hotel where is just 5 mintues walk from Sky City Bus Terminal to keep my luggage before starting the exploration in the afternoon.

In conclusion, Cathay Pacific is one of the best choice for travelling from Hong Kong (or connecting flight at Hong Kong) to Auckland. They had awesome ground and on-board services. The aircraft was the brand new type with comfortable in-flight atmosphere and facilities. The on-time performance was reliable. It was one of the most pleasant flight in my life. If you are looking for 5-star service airline, Cathay Pacific must be in your wishlist for sure. Eventually, I wish you have a wonderful stay in New Zealand.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Written by : Shipy Siwarit Tiasuwattiseth

https://www.facebook.com/shipyshipdotcom