Woodbourne to Wellington is 50 miles (81 km), a flight of about 30 minutes.
While takeoff from Woodbourne offers scenic Sounds views on the right, the landing approach into Wellington on the left provides more dramatic and concentrated scenery—a major city, significant harbor, and mountain range all visible together. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff.
Flight Path
Cook Strait crossing (open water, typically 20-25 km wide at this latitude), transition from South Island's Marlborough region to North Island's Wellington region, possible views of smaller islands in the strait depending on exact flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHE
RIGHTWoodbourne is located in the Marlborough Sounds region. A right-side seat gives you views of the intricate waterways and forested hills of the Sounds as you climb out, plus the open waters of Cook Strait ahead. Left side faces inland terrain with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at WLG
LEFTOn descent into Wellington, a left-side seat provides excellent views of Wellington Harbour, the city itself spread across the hillsides, and the surrounding coastal geography. You'll see the harbor's distinctive shape and the urban sprawl against the backdrop of the Remutaka Range. Right side faces away from the main approach corridor.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Woodbourne (BHE) to Wellington International (WLG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Woodbourne to Wellington. While takeoff from Woodbourne offers scenic Sounds views on the right, the landing approach into Wellington on the left provides more dramatic and concentrated scenery—a major city, significant harbor, and mountain range all visible together. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Woodbourne in Woodbourne?
During takeoff from Woodbourne (BHE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Woodbourne is located in the Marlborough Sounds region. A right-side seat gives you views of the intricate waterways and forested hills of the Sounds as you climb out, plus the open waters of Cook Strait ahead. Left side faces inland terrain with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Marlborough Sounds (complex fjord system with multiple inlets), Cook Strait (body of water separating North and South Islands), Wither Hills Range (low mountains visible to the east).
What can I see when landing at Wellington International in Wellington?
When landing at Wellington International (WLG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On descent into Wellington, a left-side seat provides excellent views of Wellington Harbour, the city itself spread across the hillsides, and the surrounding coastal geography. You'll see the harbor's distinctive shape and the urban sprawl against the backdrop of the Remutaka Range. Right side faces away from the main approach corridor. Notable sights include: Wellington Harbour (sheltered harbor with distinctive curved coastline), Wellington city (urban area on hillsides around the harbor), Remutaka Range (mountains visible inland to the northeast), Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui (headland at harbor entrance).
How long is the flight from Woodbourne to Wellington?
The flight from Woodbourne (BHE) to Wellington International (WLG) takes about 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 50 miles (81 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Woodbourne to Wellington flight path pass over?
Cook Strait crossing (open water, typically 20-25 km wide at this latitude), transition from South Island's Marlborough region to North Island's Wellington region, possible views of smaller islands in the strait depending on exact flight path