Christchurch
Non-stop service from the United States to New Zealand is not a new thing, but non-stop service from the USA to the South Island of New Zealand? Sign me up!
Not all of the trip went according to plan: plenty of rain, a maintenance problem with the airplane for the return flight that lead to not only an extra night in Christchurch but also a second extra night in San Francisco, and plenty of screw-ups along the way, but was still a great time.
Day 1: onboard the inaugural flight United Airlines 730, non-stop service from SFO to Christchurch (CHC). One of the biggest deals of recent inaugurals, probably up there with SFO-MNL.
Day 2: morning arrival in Christchurch and the intense amount of local business media focus on the flight, plus the official inaugural flight party in the evening with a ton of senior people from United Airlines and Air New Zealand.
Day 3: day tour of Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.
Day 4: unexpected extra day (and night) in New Zealand due to aircraft issues meant a solid time at the International Antarctic Centre.
Day 5: belated return home with the very excited crew from the inaugural flight, and a second extra night in hotels due to previous day's delay.