MacsTravel Blog

Our early optimism about escaping Auckland without incident proved to be very optimistic. Cyclone Gabby came as advertised: the most dangerous cyclone New Zealand has seen this century. Due to very high winds our plane couldn’t be safely towed to the gate. Minutes later most New Zealand Air flights were cancelled.

The scene was predictably chaotic. Bags that were being loaded were unloaded, but couldn’t be distributed because the collection areas were jammed with incoming bags. The Air Pods worked like a charm: unfortunately they weren’t much help in booking a hotel (sold out across the city, or flooded out) or reserving a flight for tomorrow. At this point our hopes for getting to Brisbane tomorrow hinge on stealing a sailboat from the Auckland harbour or hoping that New Zealand Air has its cancelled flight rebooking procedures nailed down. Fortunately the weather looks good for flying, and the brisk winds might lead to us setting a sailing record.

Meanwhile we are enjoying a fun “glamping experience” in the food court between the noodle shop and a KFC.

Ah travel…