Guangzhou to Auckland is 5,779 miles (9,300 km), a flight of about 11 hours 5 minutes.
Both sides face over ten hours of open ocean during cruise, capping their scores, but the right side's landing sequence—featuring Rangitoto Island and the Auckland skyline—is more visually distinctive than the left side's Pearl River Delta departure view alone.
Flight Path
The route crosses the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, and Coral Sea before reaching the Tasman Sea approaching New Zealand—almost entirely open ocean with no landmasses directly beneath the flight path for most of the journey.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAN
LEFTDeparting CAN toward the south/southeast, the left side offers views over the dense Pearl River Delta megacities—Guangzhou's outskirts, Dongguan, Shenzhen, and the Hong Kong skyline near the coast before the aircraft heads out over open water. The right side mostly shows the hazier, hillier interior of Guangdong province.
Landing at AKL
RIGHTArriving into AKL on runway 23L, the approach typically tracks in from the northeast over the Hauraki Gulf before turning southwest to land. On the right side, passengers get a clear view of Auckland's skyline, the Sky Tower, and the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island rising out of the harbor.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guangzhou to Auckland. Both sides face over ten hours of open ocean during cruise, capping their scores, but the right side's landing sequence—featuring Rangitoto Island and the Auckland skyline—is more visually distinctive than the left side's Pearl River Delta departure view alone.
What can I see during takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
During takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CAN toward the south/southeast, the left side offers views over the dense Pearl River Delta megacities—Guangzhou's outskirts, Dongguan, Shenzhen, and the Hong Kong skyline near the coast before the aircraft heads out over open water. The right side mostly shows the hazier, hillier interior of Guangdong province. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou/Shenzhen urban sprawl, Hong Kong skyline, South China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into AKL on runway 23L, the approach typically tracks in from the northeast over the Hauraki Gulf before turning southwest to land. On the right side, passengers get a clear view of Auckland's skyline, the Sky Tower, and the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island rising out of the harbor. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island, Waitemata Harbour, Auckland Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge.
How long is the flight from Guangzhou to Auckland?
The flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 11 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,779 miles (9,300 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Guangzhou to Auckland flight path pass over?
The route crosses the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, and Coral Sea before reaching the Tasman Sea approaching New Zealand—almost entirely open ocean with no landmasses directly beneath the flight path for most of the journey.