Annual NZ Dinner: WLG 7 March 2026

[Katie]

We’re on QF162 this morning.
Left the Doubletree around 4:35-4:40. HLO. In the but security queue by 4:55. No priority queue. Only one side of scanners open.
At about 4:58 the second side of scanners opened and the line started moving really quickly. We were at gate 48 by 5:15.

 

[JessicaTam]

Not quite as early as the @Katie clan, but I am having breakfast before heading to WLG for my hop to AKL and beyond.

Last night’s dinner was terrific with lots of positive feedback. Noble Rot certainly were accommodating and Jessica knew her wines, which is not surprising as she helped put the wine list together.

Thank you to everyone who made the effort to come along - be it a couple of blocks or multiple flight from afar. It really was a terrific evening.

Finally for those wondering, yes everyone paid and there was enough fat for the restaurant to get a tip as well.

 

[CMA222]

Well done Jess for organising yet another excellent "NZ" annual dinner. Great venue and food and as always great company. I think Christchurch was mentioned for 2027 !

 

[RooFlyer]

Thank you Jess for the organising and hosting. Very large attendance means a lot of to-ing and fro-ing. Agreed the venue and Jessica ( the other one) was very good.

You know, I’ve never been to Queenstown (NZ).

 

[blackcat20]

I've dropped into Neo cafe for a recovery breakfast

 

[jswong]

For those still in Wellington the Harbourside market is on today and I will wander down there shortly for some food

 

[Bundy Bear]

The Neo Cafe was a little too popular so have stopped at Stillwater Cafe as the one we went to yesterday is closed on Sunday.

Thanks for organising dinner Jessica and to Jeff for organising the predinner drinks

Wellington is a good city for a visit everything close bye.

I saw the markets setting up during my run this morning

 

[sap1l]

Thanks for organizing Jess! Wellington is a lovely city and it was nice to make another AFF event after missing a few.

For those still in Wellington the Harbourside market is on today and I will wander down there shortly for some food

Let me know when you’re heading over? I might miss the zoo because the sky looks a bit threatening today.

 

[jswong]

Walking there now

 

[sap1l]

Walking there now

Be there in around 45 mins because I didn’t realize how far I was!

 

[Major]

Thanks Jess. Another great event with good food and company. Most enjoyable

 

[jswong]

I asked Siri if it was going to rain today and it replied there is no chance of rain today. It is indeed raining albeit very lightly. Will wait near front of Te Papa so easier to find

 

[blackcat20]

I'm just chilling in my room this morning until the Rooflyer express is ready to leave. Lovely to see everyone again, can't wait till next year.

 

[sap1l]

Sorry @jswong just left, 20 mins to Te Papa

 

[DejaBrew]

I asked Siri if it was going to rain today and it replied there is no chance of rain today. It is indeed raining albeit very lightly. Will wait near front of Te Papa so easier to find

Siri is, as ever, hopelessly inaccurate

I've dropped into Neo cafe for a recovery breakfast

Thanks for the suggestion - DejaBrew+1 and I are currently checking it out

 

[RooFlyer]

Security at WLGZ opened 2hs before QF172 departure. Two eGates open

 

[DejaBrew]

Well, QF164 has been officially delayed

 

[JessicaTam]

Well, QF164 has been officially delayed

How is the lounge?

 

[blackcat20]

Siri is, as ever, hopelessly inaccurate


Thanks for the suggestion - DejaBrew+1 and I are currently checking it out

 

[JessicaTam]

View attachment 499839

It looks like you have made an amazing recovery.