A Fantastic Flying Experience

As I have reflected back on my flight back from Kerikeri to Auckland on Monday 5 August 2024 I thought about the difference between flying in Air New Zealand's Q300 and Barrier Air's Cessna 208B Grand Caravan I would put the difference as a "bus service" compared to a "flying experience." 

The experience started long before departure with people coming along and chatting to Barrier Air's General Manager Karen Pascoe who was working in Kerikeri and bedding in the airline's new check-in area and airport staff. People were dropping by to say welcome to the Bay of Islands, some booking flights as well as the normal check-in procedures. There was real interest in the new service and delight in the lead in air fares.

It was a long walk out to the plane and we were kept together to go out as a group and this started people chatting. Our ride for the full flight to Auckland was Barrier Air's first Cessna Grand Caravan, ZK-SDB. Flying the sector was James Hannah with Barrier Air's Flight Standards Training Manager, Daryl Williamson. Also on board was Barrier Air's CEO Grant Bacon who helped with the boarding and was chatting with the passengers. It's this friendly style that is getting Barrier Air a great reputation in the communities it serves. 

James Hannah waiting for his passengers besides Barrier Air's Cessna 208B Grand Caravan at Kerikeri ready for its scheduled service to Auckland

The simple but functional Bay of Islands Airport's terminal

Boarding for Auckland

Backtracking to depart on Runway 15

Rolling 15 at Kerikeri

The flight from Kerikeri to Auckland is a spectacular route if the cloud permits... Unfortunately we were above cloud most of the way... but the views when there were views were superb. Flying lower than Air New Zealand's Q300s it was possible to enjoy a lot more of New Zealand's scenic beauty.

Looking over to the Bay of Islands

There has obviously been a fair bit of rain in the north as seen between Moerewa and Kawakawa

Finally the cloud broke as we were crossing Sandspit

A skiff of cloud over Kawau Island with Algies Bay and Mullet Point in the foreground

Kawau Island again

A ship anchored in the Gulf

Motutapu Island

And the closest I've ever come to Rangitoto and its crater... some annoying cloud

The Auckland CBD and harbour bridge - nice photos Grant

Joining base for Runway 23 at Auckland

Manukau industrial and rail infrastructure

As on the inaugural flight there was applause as we landed and a real buzz among the passengers. "Fantastic", "amazing," "It's Barrier Air for me all the time" were some of the comments. And some seemed reluctant to leave the plane just enjoying chatting after a fantastic flying experience.

Barrier Air's new Kerikerii have started with 11 return flights a week between Kerikeri and Auckland.