While takeoff offers good Auckland volcanic scenery on the right, the landing approach into Buenos Aires on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the city's waterfront, making it the more visually rewarding side for the majority of this ultra-long-haul flight.
Flown AKL to AEP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Auckland to Buenos Aires is 6,426 miles (10,342 km), a flight of about 12 hours 25 minutes.
This route crosses the South Pacific, passing over or near Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa depending on exact routing. The flight then crosses the southern Pacific toward South America, passing over the Drake Passage region (rough waters between South America and Antarctica) before approaching Buenos Aires from the Atlantic side. Midpoint views are primarily open ocean with occasional cloud formations; no significant land features are visible during the central 12+ hours of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AKL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Auckland's urban sprawl, the Waitemata Harbour, and the volcanic cones of the Auckland volcanic field during the initial climb-out heading northeast over the Hauraki Gulf.
Landing at AEP
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Río de la Plata estuary, the Buenos Aires waterfront, and the city's distinctive grid layout during descent into Aeroparque, which sits on the river's western bank. The approach typically comes from the northeast over the water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Auckland International (AKL) to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to Buenos Aires. While takeoff offers good Auckland volcanic scenery on the right, the landing approach into Buenos Aires on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the city's waterfront, making it the more visually rewarding side for the majority of this ultra-long-haul flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Auckland International in Auckland?
During takeoff from Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Auckland's urban sprawl, the Waitemata Harbour, and the volcanic cones of the Auckland volcanic field during the initial climb-out heading northeast over the Hauraki Gulf. Notable sights include: Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto Island (extinct volcanic cone), Auckland city grid, Hauraki Gulf coastline.
What can I see when landing at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires?
When landing at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Río de la Plata estuary, the Buenos Aires waterfront, and the city's distinctive grid layout during descent into Aeroparque, which sits on the river's western bank. The approach typically comes from the northeast over the water. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary, Buenos Aires waterfront and Puerto Madero district, Paraná River delta (upstream), city grid extending inland.
How long is the flight from Auckland to Buenos Aires?
The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) takes about 12 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,426 miles (10,342 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Auckland to Buenos Aires flight path pass over?
This route crosses the South Pacific, passing over or near Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa depending on exact routing. The flight then crosses the southern Pacific toward South America, passing over the Drake Passage region (rough waters between South America and Antarctica) before approaching Buenos Aires from the Atlantic side. Midpoint views are primarily open ocean with occasional cloud formations; no significant land features are visible during the central 12+ hours of flight.