After months of planning, my journey to New Zealand is finally underway! But rather than power through a 24-hour haul, I opted for something smarter: a stop-over in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific — and what a start to the trip it was.

🧭 This is Part 1 of my New Zealand Adventure video series. You can watch it here:

🛫 The Flight: London to Hong Kong

I flew from London Heathrow (LHR) to Hong Kong International (HKG) aboard a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER — one of the airline’s flagship long-haul aircraft.

Highlights from the flight:

• Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER – a stable, spacious widebody
• Comfort: Great legroom, clean seats, modern entertainment system
• Service: Friendly crew, hot meals, and complimentary drinks
• Views: Clear skies over Europe, dusk descent into Hong Kong

✈️ If you enjoy cabin walkthroughs, food reviews, or airport atmosphere — this video is for you.

🏙️ Why a Hong Kong Stop-Over?

Long-haul travel can be exhausting — especially for wheelchair users and neurodivergent travellers. A short stop-over breaks the trip up, offers a chance to explore, and helps beat jet lag.

In my case, I had:

• Quick airport access to the city
• Great food options without leaving the terminal
• A quiet overnight stay before the next leg

Even a 36-hour stop-over added value — both for rest and exploration.

📅 What’s Next?

Part 2 of the series will cover:

• The flight from Hong Kong to New Zealand
• Arriving in Auckland
• First impressions from the North Island

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💬 Join the Conversation

Have you flown Cathay Pacific recently?
Do you prefer non-stop or stop-over long-haul routes?

Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram and Twitter.

📌 Travel Essentials

• Airline: Cathay Pacific
• Aircraft: B777-300ER
• Route: London (LHR) → Hong Kong (HKG)
• Stop-Over Duration: ~36 hours
• Video Link: Watch on YouTube

This post is part of the Long Haul travel blog — where accessibility meets adventure.