Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Christchurch to Dunedin. While takeoff favors the right for Southern Alps views, landing on the left provides superior views of Otago Peninsula and Otago Harbour—the most distinctive and visually rewarding geography on this route. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.

During takeoff from Christchurch International (CHC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Christchurch typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Canterbury Plains stretching inland and the Southern Alps rising to the west. Left seats face the Pacific and flat terrain with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Southern Alps (Mount Cook range on western horizon), Canterbury Plains (flat agricultural expanse), Banks Peninsula (distinctive hilly peninsula to the southeast), Lyttelton Harbour (visible as water body near Banks Peninsula).

When landing at Dunedin (DUD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dunedin typically lands runway 23 (southwest approach) or 05 (northeast approach). Left-side seats on approach offer views of the Otago Peninsula's distinctive geography—the narrow peninsula with Larnach Castle area, Taiaroa Head, and the city nestled in Otago Harbour. Right seats see inland hills and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Otago Harbour (large natural harbor with distinctive shape), Otago Peninsula (narrow rocky peninsula extending northeast), Taiaroa Head (prominent headland at peninsula tip), Dunedin city (visible as urban sprawl around the harbor).

The flight from Christchurch International (CHC) to Dunedin (DUD) takes Approximately 45-50 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Waitaki River valley (visible as a distinct river gorge cutting through rolling terrain), then passes over the Lammerlaw Range and Lammermoor Range foothills. The Clutha River valley becomes visible as the aircraft descends toward Dunedin. Coastal views of the Otago coast appear on the left (east) side during the descent phase, with the Pacific Ocean visible as a dark blue expanse beyond the peninsula.