The left side captures the two most scenic moments of the flight — the Southern Alps unrolling during the Christchurch departure and the Great Barrier Reef's islands and reef flats during the Cairns arrival — while the right side offers comparatively plain views of the Canterbury plains and inland Queensland rainforest.
Flown CHC to CNS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Christchurch to Cairns is 2,415 miles (3,887 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the open Tasman and Coral Seas with no land visible for several hours; on some routings the mountainous coastline of New Caledonia's Grande Terre may be visible in the distance to the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›.JPG?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHC
LEFTDeparting Christchurch on runway 02, the aircraft climbs north then banks left onto its northwesterly track toward Australia. That turn sweeps the Southern Alps — the Canterbury foothills and the jagged main divide beyond — across the left side of the cabin before the plane settles onto its long overwater heading.
Landing at CNS
LEFTWith southeast trades favoring runway 15, arriving flights typically descend from the north and track south along the coast before landing. This puts the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea and the outer Great Barrier Reef islands on the left side, a far more distinctive view than the inland rainforest on the right.
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 Christchurch International (CHC) to Cairns International (CNS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Christchurch to Cairns. The left side captures the two most scenic moments of the flight — the Southern Alps unrolling during the Christchurch departure and the Great Barrier Reef's islands and reef flats during the Cairns arrival — while the right side offers comparatively plain views of the Canterbury plains and inland Queensland rainforest.
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 Christchurch on runway 02, the aircraft climbs north then banks left onto its northwesterly track toward Australia. That turn sweeps the Southern Alps — the Canterbury foothills and the jagged main divide beyond — across the left side of the cabin before the plane settles onto its long overwater heading. Notable sights include: Southern Alps main divide, Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula, Christchurch city grid.
What can I see when landing at Cairns International in Cairns?
When landing at Cairns International (CNS), sit on the Left side for the best views. With southeast trades favoring runway 15, arriving flights typically descend from the north and track south along the coast before landing. This puts the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea and the outer Great Barrier Reef islands on the left side, a far more distinctive view than the inland rainforest on the right. Notable sights include: Great Barrier Reef fringing islands, Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Cairns coastline and harbor.
How long is the flight from Christchurch to Cairns?
The flight from Christchurch International (CHC) to Cairns International (CNS) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,415 miles (3,887 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Christchurch to Cairns flight path pass over?
The route crosses the open Tasman and Coral Seas with no land visible for several hours; on some routings the mountainous coastline of New Caledonia's Grande Terre may be visible in the distance to the north.