The left side wins both ends of the flight: a scenic coastal departure over Moreton Bay and one of the most dramatic commercial landings anywhere, dropping into the Wakatipu Basin between snow-capped peaks. The right side spends takeoff over Brisbane's plain suburbs and landing over the comparatively tame Coronet Peak foothills.
Flight Path
The great-circle path crosses the open Tasman Sea for most of the journey, with no land visible at cruise until the aircraft nears the South Island's west coast and Fiordland's mountainous edge shortly before descent into Queenstown.
Great circle distance and headings ›.JPG?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNE
LEFTBrisbane typically departs to the south on runway 19 during onshore winds, then banks left toward the southeast on course for New Zealand. That left-hand turn puts Moreton Bay, its islands, and the coastline right below the window, while the right side only shows Brisbane's western suburbs and inland hills.
Landing at ZQN
LEFTQueenstown's approach to runway 23 comes down from the northeast, tracking over the Wakatipu Basin with The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu dominating the left side of the aircraft as it lines up for landing. The right side mostly shows the lower Coronet Peak foothills, less dramatic than the jagged Remarkables.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brisbane International (BNE) to Queenstown (ZQN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brisbane to Queenstown International. The left side wins both ends of the flight: a scenic coastal departure over Moreton Bay and one of the most dramatic commercial landings anywhere, dropping into the Wakatipu Basin between snow-capped peaks. The right side spends takeoff over Brisbane's plain suburbs and landing over the comparatively tame Coronet Peak foothills.
What can I see during takeoff from Brisbane International in Brisbane?
During takeoff from Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Brisbane typically departs to the south on runway 19 during onshore winds, then banks left toward the southeast on course for New Zealand. That left-hand turn puts Moreton Bay, its islands, and the coastline right below the window, while the right side only shows Brisbane's western suburbs and inland hills. Notable sights include: Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island, Brisbane River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Queenstown in Queenstown International?
When landing at Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Queenstown's approach to runway 23 comes down from the northeast, tracking over the Wakatipu Basin with The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu dominating the left side of the aircraft as it lines up for landing. The right side mostly shows the lower Coronet Peak foothills, less dramatic than the jagged Remarkables. Notable sights include: Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, Shotover River gorge, Queenstown township on the lake shore.
How long is the flight from Brisbane to Queenstown International?
The flight from Brisbane International (BNE) to Queenstown (ZQN) takes 3h 40m.
What does the Brisbane to Queenstown International flight path pass over?
The great-circle path crosses the open Tasman Sea for most of the journey, with no land visible at cruise until the aircraft nears the South Island's west coast and Fiordland's mountainous edge shortly before descent into Queenstown.