The takeoff from Dunedin offers more visually distinctive and immediately engaging scenery—the Otago Peninsula and harbour are dramatic coastal features. While Wellington's approach is pleasant, the Dunedin departure provides superior window-seat value for scenic interest.
Flown DUD to WLG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dunedin to Wellington is 393 miles (632 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Catlins coastline (southeast), Clutha River mouth, Balclutha plains, Southland flat terrain, Fiordland ranges (distant southwest), Lake Te Anau region (far inland), transition from Otago's rugged coast to Southland's agricultural lowlands, then approach to Wellington across Cook Strait
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUD
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Otago Peninsula and Otago Harbour immediately after departure, with the Pacific coastline stretching north. The aircraft climbs northwest from Dunedin, making right windows ideal for viewing the rugged peninsula topography and coastal features.
Landing at WLG
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Wellington Harbour, the city's waterfront, and the surrounding hills during approach from the northeast. The aircraft descends over the Cook Strait region, and left windows frame the harbour entrance and urban landscape perfectly as the flight path angles toward the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dunedin (DUD) to Wellington International (WLG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dunedin to Wellington. The takeoff from Dunedin offers more visually distinctive and immediately engaging scenery—the Otago Peninsula and harbour are dramatic coastal features. While Wellington's approach is pleasant, the Dunedin departure provides superior window-seat value for scenic interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Dunedin in Dunedin?
During takeoff from Dunedin (DUD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Otago Peninsula and Otago Harbour immediately after departure, with the Pacific coastline stretching north. The aircraft climbs northwest from Dunedin, making right windows ideal for viewing the rugged peninsula topography and coastal features. Notable sights include: Otago Harbour, Otago Peninsula (Taiaroa Head), Pacific coastline, Dunedin city grid.
What can I see when landing at Wellington International in Wellington?
When landing at Wellington International (WLG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Wellington Harbour, the city's waterfront, and the surrounding hills during approach from the northeast. The aircraft descends over the Cook Strait region, and left windows frame the harbour entrance and urban landscape perfectly as the flight path angles toward the runway. Notable sights include: Wellington Harbour, Cook Strait, Remutaka Range (distant), Wellington city waterfront.
How long is the flight from Dunedin to Wellington?
The flight from Dunedin (DUD) to Wellington International (WLG) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 393 miles (632 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dunedin to Wellington flight path pass over?
Catlins coastline (southeast), Clutha River mouth, Balclutha plains, Southland flat terrain, Fiordland ranges (distant southwest), Lake Te Anau region (far inland), transition from Otago's rugged coast to Southland's agricultural lowlands, then approach to Wellington across Cook Strait