AKL to APW
I decided to try out the premium check in as Si and Holly had to line up to speak to an Air NZ rep to get checked in (in hindsight they could've come into premium too which would have been a lot quicker as there weren't many people in there, and they didnt ask for proof of membership). It's a nicely lit, quiet and stress-free environment with lots of helpful Air NZ staff ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I will definitely use it again.
Getting through security was a breeze with no queues (the upside to an early morning flight).
I had my breakfast and mocha ☕️ complimentary of Air NZ, and enjoyed the company of Ellieda and the NZ warriors #upthewahs in the koru lounge. Then it was time to head to the gate... Ellieda and I had booked seats together, however, had our seats changed on us to accommodate a family. A bit disappointing as koru membership allows you to book specific seats and we'd both done this but as we hadn't booked our flights together they weren't aware we were travelling together.
Tip: if you are travelling with someone but have separate flight bookings ask your travel agent to send Air NZ an OSI (other service information) to let them know you're travelling together so you can avoid this happening to you.
It worked out alright for me in the end though, because on a nearly full flight I ended up being seated in a window seat in a row with extra leg room! As usual the Air NZ staff were very friendly and helpful, and I now have one of their lovely branded pens.
Flying into Apia was stunning, the blues of the water and greens of the land were so vibrant. And there is just something about seeing a palm tree that says you're on holiday 🌴. Faleolo airport is much bigger than I expected (I was expecting small, hop off the plane onto the tarmac/NZ regional airport situation) but it is very modern and sophisticated on the outside, and we left the plane through a jet bridge. It is a bit dated on the inside but disembarkment, immigration, bag collection and security all went smoothly and relatively quickly as we were serenaded by a local band. We were lucky to arrive just before the flight from Fiji whose passengers of course then had to line up behind our flight.
Tip: when going to a warm destination from a cold origin pack some lightweight clothes in your carry on to change into either on the plane before descent or when you arrive at the airport.
We were able to get some cash out at the ANZ ATM in the arrivals area which only one other person was using versus the two currency exchange stores at immigration and bag claim which had long queues. The withdrawal fee was $3 which I’m told is a lot cheaper than using other ATMs in Apia (some charging around $15).
The complimentary Saletoga Sands airport transfer was waiting for us with cold water and air conditioning (both very necessary in 28°C heat) but a sometimes downside to not having your own transfer is having to wait for other passengers, which was the case for us and it was about an hour before we were on the road.
Then we arrived at Saletoga Sands. Check in was very easy and then we were escorted to our rooms, a pleasant surprise to find out that we had been upgraded from hotel rooms to villas.
It had been a full day of travel so we took a moment to relax in our rooms before heading to the beach bar for happy hour. The cocktail special was 'Ocean' - vodka, blue curacao and grenadine.
We had dinner at the Bungalow restaurant which has a theme every night, tonight was Fish n Chips - classic Kiwi style and Samoan oka i’a (raw fish marinated in lemon juice, coconut cream and other deliciousness).