I think it was a small 'Avondale' spider
Avondale spider - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, NZ
and yes Jock, i am a big girly.... i was about 5 knots away from rotating!! Itwas surprise more that any arachnophobic response.
still a great day for flying!!! did the twin island tour and buzzed the house..(from a totally legal height) excellent!!