This route is one of New Zealand's most scenic domestic flights, and the right-side window keeps the Southern Alps and, on clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook in view through cruise before delivering a dramatic mountain-and-lake approach into Queenstown.
Flight Path
Christchurch to Queenstown International is 215 miles (346 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Southern Alps main divide, Aoraki/Mount Cook (visible on clear days), Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo's turquoise glacial waters, Mackenzie Basin high country
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHC
RIGHTDeparting CHC to the south/southwest, the right side faces west toward the Canterbury Plains rising into the foothills of the Southern Alps, while the left side only shows the flat plains fading toward the Pacific coastline. The mountain wall becomes visible almost immediately after climb-out on the right.
Landing at ZQN
RIGHTOn approach into Queenstown, flights typically thread down the Wakatipu basin with the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu's turquoise water dominating the right-side view during the final turns. The left side mostly shows the town and basin floor without the dramatic peaks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Christchurch International (CHC) to Queenstown (ZQN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Christchurch to Queenstown International. This route is one of New Zealand's most scenic domestic flights, and the right-side window keeps the Southern Alps and, on clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook in view through cruise before delivering a dramatic mountain-and-lake approach into Queenstown.
What can I see during takeoff from Christchurch International in Christchurch?
During takeoff from Christchurch International (CHC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CHC to the south/southwest, the right side faces west toward the Canterbury Plains rising into the foothills of the Southern Alps, while the left side only shows the flat plains fading toward the Pacific coastline. The mountain wall becomes visible almost immediately after climb-out on the right. Notable sights include: Southern Alps foothills, Canterbury Plains, Rakaia River braided channels.
What can I see when landing at Queenstown in Queenstown International?
When landing at Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Queenstown, flights typically thread down the Wakatipu basin with the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu's turquoise water dominating the right-side view during the final turns. The left side mostly shows the town and basin floor without the dramatic peaks. Notable sights include: The Remarkables range, Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, Queenstown township.
How long is the flight from Christchurch to Queenstown International?
The flight from Christchurch International (CHC) to Queenstown (ZQN) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 215 miles (346 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Christchurch to Queenstown International flight path pass over?
Southern Alps main divide, Aoraki/Mount Cook (visible on clear days), Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo's turquoise glacial waters, Mackenzie Basin high country