The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Southern Alps views during departure from Christchurch and a scenic descent over Moreton Bay into the Brisbane skyline. The right side is dominated by flat plains and open ocean with little variation.
Flown CHC to BNE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Christchurch to Brisbane is 1,552 miles (2,498 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
Open Tasman Sea for most of the cruise, with no land visible until the Australian coastline near the Gold Coast comes into view on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHC
LEFTDeparting CHC on runway 02, the climb-out tracks north over the Canterbury Plains before turning northwest toward the Tasman Sea, putting the Southern Alps squarely on the left side. The snow-capped peaks and foothills provide a dramatic backdrop that the flat plains and ocean on the right can't match.
Landing at BNE
LEFTArriving into BNE from the southeast, the descent and final turn onto runway 01 pass over Moreton Bay before swinging toward the city, putting the Brisbane CBD skyline and the Brisbane River on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows open water and low coastal islands with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Christchurch International (CHC) to Brisbane International (BNE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Christchurch to Brisbane. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Southern Alps views during departure from Christchurch and a scenic descent over Moreton Bay into the Brisbane skyline. The right side is dominated by flat plains and open ocean with little variation.
What can I see during takeoff from Christchurch International in Christchurch?
During takeoff from Christchurch International (CHC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CHC on runway 02, the climb-out tracks north over the Canterbury Plains before turning northwest toward the Tasman Sea, putting the Southern Alps squarely on the left side. The snow-capped peaks and foothills provide a dramatic backdrop that the flat plains and ocean on the right can't match. Notable sights include: Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, foothills near Arthur's Pass region.
What can I see when landing at Brisbane International in Brisbane?
When landing at Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving into BNE from the southeast, the descent and final turn onto runway 01 pass over Moreton Bay before swinging toward the city, putting the Brisbane CBD skyline and the Brisbane River on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows open water and low coastal islands with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Brisbane CBD skyline, Brisbane River, Moreton Bay, Mount Coot-tha.
How long is the flight from Christchurch to Brisbane?
The flight from Christchurch International (CHC) to Brisbane International (BNE) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,552 miles (2,498 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Christchurch to Brisbane flight path pass over?
Open Tasman Sea for most of the cruise, with no land visible until the Australian coastline near the Gold Coast comes into view on descent.