Driving back to Christchurch
We left our Lake Benmore campsite around 0730 for the drive to Christchurch. We had better luck with our stop at Fairlie Bakehouse this time. The salmon and bacon pie was very generous with a large chunk of salmon in it!
During the drive, a friend Ming had told me that Air New Zealand confirmed staff bookings for selected dates to Bali were only marginally more than standby ones. Upon checking, these prices were available for Kim’s proposed dates to join me there in March, and to visit the boutique car maker Tuksedo Studio.
We coordinated with a friend, Dennis, to make the booking because as retirees, we don’t have the privilege of confirmed bookings (but only standby ones).
With that sorted, we continued our drive to Christchurch.
Making good time
The car return time was 1400 and our standby flight to Auckland at 1600. We made good time and got to Christchurch around midday.
I was able to shift our flight online to 1500 and when all went smoothly with the rental car shuttle, I shifted it again to 1400.
There were two great surprises here with the flight:
- I was able to shift the flight so late, as often airline systems block changes while the “coupon” is under airport control.
- I was able to check-in at the kiosk despite such a late change on a flight that wasn’t that empty.
We even had time at the lounge for a late lunch before boarding.