The right side delivers a more varied and scenic sequence overall: Manukau Harbour and the Waitakere Ranges at takeoff, glimpses of Mount Taranaki's cone across the Tasman Sea during cruise, and a wide coastal approach over Tasman Bay into Nelson. The left side's views are pleasant but more repetitive, dominated by inland farmland and the more distant central North Island volcanoes.
Flight Path
Cook Strait crossing between the North and South Islands, with the Marlborough Sounds' intricate green inlets visible ahead before descent into Tasman Bay.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AKL
RIGHTDeparting AKL to the southwest on runway 23L, the right side gives a clear view of the Manukau Harbour's braided tidal channels and the bush-covered Waitakere Ranges as the aircraft climbs and banks onto its southbound track. The left side mainly shows the flatter Auckland isthmus and Manukau suburbs.
Landing at NSN
RIGHTOn approach into NSN over Tasman Bay, the right side faces west toward the open bay and the distant Abel Tasman coastline, giving a wide coastal panorama as the aircraft descends and turns onto final for runway 02. The left side instead shows the closer, less distinct foothills of the Richmond Range.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Auckland International (AKL) to Nelson (NSN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to Nelson. The right side delivers a more varied and scenic sequence overall: Manukau Harbour and the Waitakere Ranges at takeoff, glimpses of Mount Taranaki's cone across the Tasman Sea during cruise, and a wide coastal approach over Tasman Bay into Nelson. The left side's views are pleasant but more repetitive, dominated by inland farmland and the more distant central North Island volcanoes.
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. Departing AKL to the southwest on runway 23L, the right side gives a clear view of the Manukau Harbour's braided tidal channels and the bush-covered Waitakere Ranges as the aircraft climbs and banks onto its southbound track. The left side mainly shows the flatter Auckland isthmus and Manukau suburbs. Notable sights include: Manukau Harbour, Waitakere Ranges, Auckland isthmus coastline.
What can I see when landing at Nelson in Nelson?
When landing at Nelson (NSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into NSN over Tasman Bay, the right side faces west toward the open bay and the distant Abel Tasman coastline, giving a wide coastal panorama as the aircraft descends and turns onto final for runway 02. The left side instead shows the closer, less distinct foothills of the Richmond Range. Notable sights include: Tasman Bay, Abel Tasman coastline, Nelson city waterfront.
How long is the flight from Auckland to Nelson?
The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to Nelson (NSN) takes 1h 20m.
What does the Auckland to Nelson flight path pass over?
Cook Strait crossing between the North and South Islands, with the Marlborough Sounds' intricate green inlets visible ahead before descent into Tasman Bay.