A surprise for Air New Zealand passengers leaving Gisborne, when their flight landed again, soon after take-off

The airline says it had to shut down an engine experiencing issues.

The Herald's James Pocock says a passenger reported feeling an engine change - and overheard crew talking about the left engine.

An Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Sydney diverted to Auckland yesterday - with an engine problem an hour into the flight.

Both planes are under investigation.