Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy has proven to be a global hit and WAYFARER finds out why.

The premium economy seat that Air New Zealand rolled-out when it took deliveries of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2014 has proven such a hit that the Kiwi carrier is now retro-fitting all of its long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft with the product.

Expect comfortable leather seats that are 19.3-inches wide, recline up to 9 inches and have a pitch of 41 inches.

The airline’s fantastic entertainment offering – from rugby matches to Shortland Street, all of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies and Bryan Brown classics (he’s the face of the latest campaign) including Cocktail – is viewed on 11 inch touchscreen TVs.

The dining experience is on par with Business Class and expect dishes from chef Peter Gordon and top New Zealand wines including Chardonnays from Hawke’s Bay and Pinot Noir from Central Otago.