The alarm went at 4am this morning. Wide awake, I leaped out of bed, greeting the new day with anticipation. After a quick shower, I was soon dressed and looking sharp and ready to head off to the airport as I am going to Wellington for a couple of days with work…… Just another day at the office!

Well that’s what was going on in my head… the reality of the situation was the alarm woke me from a deep and comfortable sleep, it was freezing outside as I stumbled into the shower lingering in the warmth it provided. Creeping around the house trying not to wake my sleeping family, I left for the airport feeling a huge sense of déjà vu. This was the 7th time I had embarked on this trip in the past two months.

One advantage of the hour is the commute to the airport takes no time at all – apart from a few early morning shift workers, a couple of taxis and the odd delivery truck the roads are deserted.

The Christchurch domestic Koru Lounge opens at 5am, my sanctuary. Not only does it provide one of the most spectacular views across the Canterbury plains towards the snow-capped Southern Alps. (At 5am the reality is that it’s still pitch black outside as the sun does not rise for another 3 hours). The fact is the Koru Lounge barristers make one of the best cups of coffee on the planet!

It’s a huge claim to make but I think I am qualified to make this call. There is something about the mix of freshly roasted coffee beans, full cream kiwi milk and the expert touch of a well-trained barrister – the results then speak for them self.

Here in Christchurch and in many of the Koru Lounges around the world  Air New Zealand do a fantastic job here understanding it’s the little things in life that matter!!