While the left side gets a brief but scenic look at the Southern Alps during takeoff, the right side accumulates more sustained scenery: the Cook Strait crossing near Wellington, the volcanic cones of Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo during cruise, and Mount Tarawera on final approach into Rotorua.
Flown CHC to ROT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Christchurch to Rotorua is 421 miles (678 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Cook Strait crossing near Wellington, Kapiti Coast, Tongariro National Park's volcanic trio (Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, Tongariro), and Lake Taupo
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHC
LEFTClimbing out on runway 02 heading north from Christchurch, the left side looks west across the Canterbury Plains to the snow-dusted foothills and peaks of the Southern Alps. The right side only shows the flat Pegasus Bay coastline and Banks Peninsula receding behind, which is comparatively unremarkable.
Landing at ROT
RIGHTOn approach into Rotorua the aircraft turns to align with runway 36L, and this turn puts the volcanic Mount Tarawera and the geothermal countryside east of Lake Rotorua on the right side. The left side mostly shows the plainer forested hills west of the lake, which lack a comparable standout feature.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Christchurch International (CHC) to Rotorua (ROT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Christchurch to Rotorua. While the left side gets a brief but scenic look at the Southern Alps during takeoff, the right side accumulates more sustained scenery: the Cook Strait crossing near Wellington, the volcanic cones of Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo during cruise, and Mount Tarawera on final approach into Rotorua.
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. Climbing out on runway 02 heading north from Christchurch, the left side looks west across the Canterbury Plains to the snow-dusted foothills and peaks of the Southern Alps. The right side only shows the flat Pegasus Bay coastline and Banks Peninsula receding behind, which is comparatively unremarkable. Notable sights include: Southern Alps foothills, Torlesse Range, Canterbury Plains farmland, distant Arthur's Pass peaks.
What can I see when landing at Rotorua in Rotorua?
When landing at Rotorua (ROT), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Rotorua the aircraft turns to align with runway 36L, and this turn puts the volcanic Mount Tarawera and the geothermal countryside east of Lake Rotorua on the right side. The left side mostly shows the plainer forested hills west of the lake, which lack a comparable standout feature. Notable sights include: Mount Tarawera, Lake Rotorua's eastern shore, Bay of Plenty volcanic farmland, Rotorua city fringe.
How long is the flight from Christchurch to Rotorua?
The flight from Christchurch International (CHC) to Rotorua (ROT) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 421 miles (678 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Christchurch to Rotorua flight path pass over?
Cook Strait crossing near Wellington, Kapiti Coast, Tongariro National Park's volcanic trio (Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, Tongariro), and Lake Taupo