CI's angled flats are the same seat that VA used to have on their A330s before being replaced by their new suites, and are also the same seat that SQ's regional business class seat is based on and that MH uses in their A330s. It's a pretty solid product in terms of overall space and comfort but it's certainly not fully flat, and it's a solid generation behind the current best in class. For the hop to/from NZ, it's more than adequate.
CI have very friendly and solicitous service but everything is just a bit blander and frumpier than the better Asian airlines. Perhaps half a rung up from mainland Chinese airlines in J. Food and wine offering is probably the weakest you'll find in business on that route, with the possible exception of LA (whose wines would be better but, from what I hear, only has pretty basic catering on the short hop). For the price you're paying it's a great way to cross the ditch. In Y, they are a great option: comfortable seating with pairs at the window, decent pitch, often fairly empty cabins, cheap deals, and full-service with reasonable booze and personal IFE (albeit a fairly old fashioned system).
