The best way to travel to New Zealand | Emirates A380 Business Class

If you're flying between Australia and New Zealand, there's a wonderful way to do it ... on board an Emirates A380 in Business Class.
The experience is simply unbeatable. With lie-flat seats, white linen tablecloths, delectable food and drink (including champagne), a cocktail lounge and a bar in the sky, not to mention the supreme service, the only downside is that you won't want it to end. Pure luxury.
Emirates' Sydney to Christchurch flight operates daily. It's a fifth freedom route (flights between two countries other than the airline's home nation). The Christchurch leg is an add-on to one of their daily flights between Dubai and Sydney.
Emirates is the only airline operating between Australia and New Zealand with a four-class A380. This route is typically operated by Qantas 737s and Air New Zealand A320s, so the A380 outclasses them in every way.
Join me on this three-hour jaunt aboard a beautiful superjumbo across the Tasman to find out what the experience is like - you won't regret it!
✈ Airline: Emirates
✈ Aircraft: Airbus A380
✈ Aircraft registration: A6-EVG
✈ Seat: 16A (Business)
✈ Route: Sydney (YSSY) - Christchurch (NZCH)
✈ Cruise altitude: 39,000 feet
✈ Flight: EK412 / QF 8766
✈ Class: Business
✈ Date: 28 July 2023
EQUIPMENT:
🚉 Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, iPhone 12 Pro Max
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:12 - Check-in and security
02:05 - Emirates Lounge
03:39 - Boarding
05:06 - Seat tour and menu
07:46 - Pushback and taxi
09:43 - Takeoff
11:27 - Bathroom tour
13:12 - Seat tour continued
14:45 - Breakfast service
15:55 - A380 lounge and bar
17:36 - Reaching the South Island
18:18 - The Southern Alps
19:13 - Fare
20:03 - Approach and landing Christchurch Airport
22:32 - Deboarding and final thoughts
Music
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[@JarvisDevonDariel-nv3io]

Honestly this dude should have more viewer and subs. The video is really informative, but not boring at all. This dude has an fascinated voice, you just want to keep listening it. The whole video content doesn't have unnecessary stuff or overly focus on something.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Lovely to get that feedback. Cheers!

[@johnclauder615]

Good to see you back !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Good to be back! :)

[@pawank2009]

Been watching your videos for a while now. They're informative and the commentary is pleasant. When I visit your channel, I don't need to filter by Popular, I just watch the latest one because I know they will be good! The views just catch up eventually.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s so good to hear. Thank you!

[@xr6lad]

My partner and I did this about 10 years ago. It was at the end of a Sydney - Auckland cruise. Flew back to Melbourne and it was a relatively unknown ‘ travel bargain’ within the travelling public community back then as the fare was a ridiculous price for business class as it was largely empty on that segment. Great upper deck lounge. We made sure we got to Auckland airport early and spent 3 hours in the Emirates lounge there. Got the BC bug after that and we ended up flying them to London and back next time.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Sounds wonderful! Yes, the problem is once you get a taste BC, it's hard to settle for anything less.

[@aletheageorge162]

Thanks for the great video. My daughter and I are booked on the A380 Auckland to London business class in May. Will be a trip of a lifetime

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow - that should be amazing. Enjoy!

[@aletheageorge162]

Thanks. Your great review has only made me more excited 😊

[@derekb4731]

You're gonna love it

[@alexeyokhrimchuk2783]

When you have done your trip with your daughter, could you please give a brief expression on how it was?

[@larryingle9966]

Another great video Adam, cannot wait for the train trip 😎

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you Larry. Much appreciated. 😊

[@dhanrajmohan701]

Public comment..beautiful aircraft emrites airlines and amazing service from crew. Great food ❤❤❤

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Agreed!

[@tariqpakistan]

Hi Adam I have recently connected to your channel and your videos are really crisp and professional with a perfect tinge of pleasure. Your voice over too has a peculiar soothing effect alongside the beautiful journey. Keep it up and keep it going

[@daintytech]

Your comment is lovely!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I’m really happy to hear that. Thank you! 🙏

[@sarbaazchabahar]

A smooth trip! That's what an A380 can offer! I love this bird❤.... Thanks for sharing this amazing video, cheers🍺✌️🛫✈️🛬

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Absolutely. Has to be the most comfortable aircraft as a passenger.

[@user-ld6on8rw7l]

Hi Adam, your earlier video on the TranzAlpine inspired me to plan a trip back to NZ with my family. Now that we’ve fully booked our flights, you’ve released this video. Perfect timing! Love your videos, this would have been a very luxurious journey 😊👍

[@tamatikaa]

Kia ora Adam! Your pronunciation of Aoraki was perfect. Ka pai 😄

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

tēnā koe 😊

[@gosekinz]

First is also very affordable .. worth it for the experience!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I’ve heard that. Might be something to consider. 🤔

[@leonwakefield7285]

Good to see you're spoiling yourself, great to ha e you back and looking forward to your next video 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Sometime you have to spoil yourself - don’t you. Cheers!

[@WantYaLovin]

Hi Adam, yesterday I watched four of your videos. Keep up the good work and enjoy your travels!!!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Brilliant - thank you!

[@kevinellis8869]

As the previous poster says, good to see you back! Looking forward to the train video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers!

[@daintytech]

Hi Adam. You look great. Thanks for another wonderful, honest vlog. Happy travels! Cheers! 🥂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@dennishall6098]

In 2011 Easter fell very late April and with Anzac day on 25/4, And Labour day first Monday of May all fell very close together. I Live in Brisbane and only Missing two days of work I went train to Sydney, Emirates A380 to AKL and return next day, Then Train Sydney to Melbourne, Train Melbourne to Adelaide and flight to Brisbane. Had been all places before, So didn't need to do much in any of the cities, But got to tick of another Airline/Aircraft and then some of the train legs around Australia.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow. That’s quite the adventure!

[@rebeccaw9656]

Excited to see a new video for 2024 hit my feed. Welcome back😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@vlfreak]

Great to see you back Adam and what a trip! I do love the 380 and BC, wow that looks swish!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, hard to beat the A380 in BC (unless you can afford First Class 😝).

[@deelightfool]

Your pronunciation for Aoraki was great. Cool vid.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear. Cheers!

[@LWJCarroll]

Thanks a very interesting choice instead of the competitions A320s. Laurie NZ

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, hard to beat a wide body. ☺️

[@michaelgask]

Great video. Thanks for sharing Adam. Those cameras are amazing, aren't they? They give you a great view while you're taking off or landing. Your flight looked wonderful, with great views of the alps, and a great seat and food. Looking forward to the TranzAlpine video (and yes, your pronunciation of Aoraki was spot on).

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Michael! Yes, I wish the external cameras were on every aircraft. ;) Happy to know my pronunciation was on the mark. Cheers!

[@TheHobartAviationFan]

Great video!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cx777300]

I flew this route back when when the A340-500 was on the route 😊 Will have to try again on the A380!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I’d love to fly on an A340 but they’re hard to come by nowadays.

[@feeralph8001]

Your pronunciation of maori names is perfect. you put others to shame and they have chosen to live here from abroad or some have been a couple of generations and still don't make the effort to use proper annunciation. You make the effort to look into your travels right down to the rivers, mountains and more. as a kiwi Maori, I thoroughly enjoy all your videos. I watch your videos with great admiration to all the effort you put into each one.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s so good to hear. tēnā koe 🙏

[@stewartrivers4208]

Welcome back Alan! Great to see your content once again

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Stewart (think you're keyboard may have autocorrected my name to Alan - I'm not the ex CEO of Qantas 😂)

[@PeterTodd]

Touché! @@FromtheWindowSeat

[@AgentBasil]

Looking forward to the next train trip !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Me too! 😃

[@ragsoh]

Hi FROM THE WINDOW SEAT. Greetings from Singapore. Nice video work and your voice was like music to my ears. Well done. Just subbed your channel.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you so much!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing.😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

You’re welcome.☺️

[@EliotRecords]

Great video as always :) hope you enjoyed your time with us in NZ

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I did. Beautiful country. Thanks!

[@mce_AU]

Nice one Adam. Food looked nice too.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! It certainly was. 😋

[@paulwharton1850]

A very, very good video - I learnt a lot - Many thanks !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear. Thank you!

[@visualjon]

Surprised at the cost, not that far out of reach, absolutely doing this flight next chance I get. Love your videos.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Enjoy! Thank you!

[@markusbramley]

Nailed the pronunciation of Aoraki. Boom! I'm really surprised Emirates fly the A380 into Christchurch, especially as it's capacity outstrips demand on this route.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers! Yes, it’s an interesting move.

[@barbaram5214]

Great video! Oh how I wish I had the money to fly business class from the U.S. to New Zealand or Australia. Looking forward to the train trip.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, that would be a wonderful way to do it.

[@Coolestboy2016]

I flew with Emirates from the UK to Dubai to change our flight then Dubai to india and it was the best flight ever in my life

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Nice! :)

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Let the adventure begin

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Woohoo! 🥳

[@andreawoelke]

Great video. You'd watch those outside cameras all day if it was streamed! You'll get the same view from Economy. What's this thing with hot towels? Nobody ever had thrm elsewhere, or at home. What's the point?

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Andrea. Yes, you would get the same views in economy but I really enjoyed the indulgence of flying business class on this A380 (after all, it's not often you get to do that). I believe the custom of hot towels started in Asia, where they are presented to clean your hands (and sometimes your face) before a meal. It's hard to explain but it just helps relax you once you've sat down after the craziness of being in an airport terminal.

[@richardcaldwell9160]

Great clip Adam - your checked shirt is so 80's. Bur I am not a fashion expert !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you. The 80s rule. ✌️

[@richardcaldwell9160]

Adam can you recall the music as you were landing - I liked it

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@richardcaldwell9160 Yes, I think this is the track you’re after: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWithJmvm9ukg9ksi=WuKbllkXKx4jDQuH

[@richardcaldwell9160]

@@FromtheWindowSeat That's it - Thank you..He is Danish

[@allenzhang9900]

❤❤❤

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks!

[@andrewhighriser9531]

That was great. I checked and a 380 can carry more than a 747. You are going to struggle when you next fly economy. I can't remember if I've seen your previous Tranz Alpine trip in NZ, but I am looking forward to seeing the upcoming one.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, it's a struggle when you know what you're missing out on. Cheers!

[@fionacampbell3751]

I flew from Newcastle via Dubai to perth australia business class I couldn’t fault it to be honest. Flew the a380 from Dubai.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Sounds great. Cheers!

[@PaulaBean]

Instead of Beerenberg Jam, I personally would choose Vegemite 🧀🧀🧀 Like they offered on the train from Sydney to Perth 🤪

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Haha! Fair enough.

[@Sanznachito]

What a way to travel... you Aussies are so lucky with some of these fifth freedom aircraft and route options. How were you so disciplined to keep turning down the champagne until breakfast onboard?!! Such an elegant cabin and the suite looks very comfortable. Thanks once again for sharing, looking forward to your travels this year. PS Are you allowed to fly the QF 787 from Sydney to AKL (v.v) even if you're not going on to NYC? 👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, we have a few good fifth freedom routes here. It wasn’t too hard … I just couldn’t face alcohol that early in the day. 😂 I believe you can book the Qantas 787 from Sydney to Auckland without continuing to NY. 🤔

[@andrewdomaracki]

Really great video report. It would be best to add commentary post, just a suggestion. Otherwise brilliant.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback. To be honest, there was something wrong with my microphone, which is why the audio was a bit unclear. It shouldn't be like that but unfortunately I couldn't repair it during editing.

[@deepakdave7778]

❤ Love From India ❤

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@modfus]

Given it's a relatively short trip, it seems a bit extravagant to fly in this much opulence. Having said that, I know some people who regularly fly privately between the two countries😬

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

True, it's certainly indulgent. But even flying premium economy or economy on the A380 will beat the 737s and A320s usually found on this route.

[@Teagans16]

I flew this exact route & plane on the 19th of April, economy was nice but where I was sitting I think it was row 75, 75 A, B & C the IF screen weren't working, so I wonder if they have fixed that yet.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh right. You’d certainly hope so.

[@Coolwow437]

I was looking at the price from here to Christchurch it’s really not that expensive for a business class on the 380 I gotta do it 😱✈️

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Definitely. Enjoy!

[@derekb4731]

I flew Business class from Manchester UK to New zealand. 32 Hrs of total luxury. Free taxi from home to destination, forget your 3 hr flight across the New Zealand to Australia, go the hole hog

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Sounds great! Obviously it has a price tag to match but keen to try one day. 🥳

[@daniellaugesen8355]

Hey Adam, was this from your recent visit to NZ or can we expect something new coming? 🎉

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hey Daniel. This was from a trip in July 2023. So my second trip to NZ (but only a short one - a long weekend).

[@daniellaugesen8355]

@@FromtheWindowSeat looking forward to your second trip on the Tranz Alpine especially in winter. Thanks for your awesome vids!

[@JJ-vy2rh]

Great review Adam, what was the hotel

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers. Aerotel Sydney.

[@JJ-vy2rh]

@@FromtheWindowSeat ok thanks

[@galaxyfarrahway]

How can I find out what music was used in this video?

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

The track most people ask about is this one: m.kzbin.info?search_query=notize+neon+affair

[@galaxyfarrahway]

@@FromtheWindowSeat thats the one! thank you!

[@richjdnz]

pronunciation 👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers!

[@chrismckellar9350]

I flew Emirates Sydney to Christchurch in Business Class and the experience was mediocre. After take off the crew served breakfast with a 'so what' attitude and that was it. Having flown Emirates in their other cabin products - First Class, Premium Economy and Economy, services and crew attitude was poor in both Premium Economy and Economy. As far as I am concerned, Emirates is over hyped and over rated.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh right. That's interesting to hear. I guess a lot of it comes down to the crew. For me the big contrast on this trip was between Emirates and Qatar. I flew this Emirates flight to Christchurch and the crew couldn't have been friendlier or more attentive. Whereas on the return I flew from Auckland to Adelaide in Qatar QSuite on a B777 ... and the contrast in service was stark. The crew did what they had to but nothing more (and they initially brought me the wrong meal, although this was quickly corrected when I pointed it out). They weren't proactive with drinks at all - I had to use the call bell.

[@Paradoxical124]

I agree, an even a regional qantas business class flight is better!

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

That’s the first negative review I’ve come across for Emirates. Good to know.😊

[@user-fb2he6vb2d]

Heck flown many many many times auckland Manchester and also brisbane sydney ,a380 business neverrrr a complaint. Feel sorry for you .

[@chrismckellar9350]

@@user-fb2he6vb2d - Emirates soft cabin product should be standard the whole Emirates route network.

[@cardztravel7648]

Honest question. How is this the best way when that very same plane has a first class? You're saying business is better than first on the exact same flight? Wha?

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

For me, business class represents the best value in terms of being a justifiable premium experience … whereas first class was quite a bit more when I looked. That said, I would be keen to find out what it’s like and whether it’s worth the price difference. 🤔

[@cardztravel7648]

@@FromtheWindowSeat it's pretty great

[@mikee101]

I believe they're phasing the A380s out for A350s. Cheaper to maintain and operate, also more fuel efficient.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, eventually - but Emirates say they'll operate them until the late 2030s or even the early 2040s. And it wasn't Emirates' preference to phase them out ... they asked Airbus to make an Airbus A380 NEO, but Airbus said no (didn't make financial sense).

[@franciskt4171]

Junk food sausages look cheap on such a long premium international flight..😂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ha! Not sure the 'long' bit is accurate. 😆

[@jamesparsons8477]

I'm following you on Facebook now thank you

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Awesome thank you!

[@henrysteppel2031]

Great video!!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!