Christchurch to Auckland flight path: CHC to AKL

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Christchurch to Auckland. The left side wins overall because the Southern Alps dominate the takeoff and much of the cruise along the Kaikoura coast, giving consistent dramatic mountain scenery, while the right side's harbor view is only strong during the brief landing sequence.

During takeoff from Christchurch International (CHC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CHC on runway 02 climbs north with the snow-capped Southern Alps stretching along the western horizon on the left, while the right side only shows the flat Canterbury Plains and open Pacific. The mountain wall dominates the initial climb-out view. Notable sights include: Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, foothills near Mount Hutt, Pacific coastline fading behind.

When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into AKL, arrivals from the south typically curve out over the Manukau Harbour and Hauraki Gulf before lining up for runway 23L, putting Auckland's skyline, Waitemata Harbour and the volcanic cone of Rangitoto on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly shows open water and the Waitakere Ranges in the far distance. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island, Waitemata Harbour, Auckland Sky Tower skyline, Hauraki Gulf islands.

The flight from Christchurch International (CHC) to Auckland International (AKL) takes 1h 35m.

Cook Strait, Kaikoura Ranges meeting the Pacific coast, Marlborough Sounds visible on the North Island approach