Up early (5.30) to be picked up shortly after 6.00 by a very kind Neil for the trip to Lewknor on the M40 (Rosemary says is it off the M40) to catch the Oxford/Heathrow bus. Bitterly cold when we left, but no snow, although the drive to Lewknor did see a short snow drizzle. Arrived at the bus stop at about 6.40 in plenty of time for the scheduled 7.04 service. As we unloaded the bags, the late running 6.34 service appeared. We hopped on this bus and paid our fares. Good premonition for the holiday. We had not reserved seats because the closing time for booking these is 36 hours before the service runs. Need not have worried about booking, the bus was pretty empty.

The drive to Heathrow should have been quick, but for a couple of accidents, one before High Wycombe, and the other just after the M25 junction. M25 was empty. We were checking in at 8.00 for our flight, four hours before departure, this runs totally counter to my ethos. Now we have hours of boring hours sitting around waiting and drinking coffee from Café Nero. Maybe some harder stuff later.

Nope nothing harder, Qantus is pretty stingy with the wine and beers. Managed Bladerunner 2049 (again), Alien Covenant (rated 3-screamer, the last scream disturbed my fellow passengers) and Kingsman – Golden Circle. (Sorry Ravi, that glamping does not look like Love Fields. LF does not have beefy security guards, it is much more laid back.) There was also a slight incident opening a packet of crisps for Rosemary. (Did not expect to be showered by the contents when I banged open the inflated packet.) Wait in Dubai to re-board the aircraft. The long section to Melbourne is about to start. One hint for those flying Qantus in cattle class: ignore the flight attendants when they come around offering coffee, tea and soft drinks, demand the hard stuff.

Twelve hours later we arrived in Melbourne and had a drink of beer in the bar, before joining a 737 to Auckland.  Arrived in Auckland at 5.00 am. In the interests of eco-security, Rosemary had her walking boots whisked of her feet and soles washed. She was rather mortified by the experience. I merely had to walk over a disinfectant impregnated mat.

Caught the Sky Bus into Auckland city where we checked into the pre-booked Grand Windsor Hotel. Rather too smart for us. They allocated a room for us.  Prince of Wales Feathers everywhere, all to do with Duke & Duchess of Windsor, so a picture of jewellery in our room. I am going to ban excess cushions. We showered and went for breakfast.