Auckland to Tauranga is 90 miles (145 km), a flight of about 40 minutes.
The left side offers continuous scenic interest from takeoff through landing — the Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel Peninsula during departure, and Mount Maunganui with Tauranga Harbour on arrival — while the right side stays over comparatively featureless inland farmland for most of the short flight.
Flight Path
Hauraki Plains, lower Kaimai Range foothills, and the inland edge of the Bay of Plenty region
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AKL
LEFTClimbing out of Auckland toward the southeast, the left side faces north over the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames, with the bush-clad hills of the Coromandel Peninsula visible in the distance. The right side mostly shows the flatter Waikato countryside with less visual interest.
Landing at TRG
LEFTOn approach into Tauranga from the west, the aircraft descends toward runway 07 with the harbour entrance and the volcanic cone of Mount Maunganui visible off the left side. The right side shows only the inland Kaimai Range foothills with less distinctive scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Auckland International (AKL) to Tauranga (TRG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to Tauranga. The left side offers continuous scenic interest from takeoff through landing — the Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel Peninsula during departure, and Mount Maunganui with Tauranga Harbour on arrival — while the right side stays over comparatively featureless inland farmland for most of the short flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Auckland International in Auckland?
During takeoff from Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing out of Auckland toward the southeast, the left side faces north over the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames, with the bush-clad hills of the Coromandel Peninsula visible in the distance. The right side mostly shows the flatter Waikato countryside with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Hauraki Gulf, Firth of Thames, Coromandel Peninsula, Waiheke Island (distant).
What can I see when landing at Tauranga in Tauranga?
When landing at Tauranga (TRG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Tauranga from the west, the aircraft descends toward runway 07 with the harbour entrance and the volcanic cone of Mount Maunganui visible off the left side. The right side shows only the inland Kaimai Range foothills with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Harbour, Matakana Island, Bay of Plenty coastline.
How long is the flight from Auckland to Tauranga?
The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to Tauranga (TRG) takes about 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 90 miles (145 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Auckland to Tauranga flight path pass over?
Hauraki Plains, lower Kaimai Range foothills, and the inland edge of the Bay of Plenty region