While landing favors the left, the departure from Hong Kong offers more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the harbour, peninsula, and island geography. The takeoff view is more consistently engaging than the landing approach.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea for roughly 8-9 hours with no significant landmarks visible. The aircraft passes south of the Coral Sea and east of the Australian continent (not visible at cruise altitude). Approaching New Zealand, the North Island's northern tip and the Bay of Islands become visible approximately 1 hour before landing, followed by the Northland Peninsula. The approach to Auckland brings the Hauraki Gulf into view with its numerous islands scattered across the water.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Victoria Harbour waterfront and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft climbs out on the typical eastbound departure. The urban sprawl of Hong Kong Island and the surrounding water features dominate the initial climb.
Landing at AKL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland's waterfront, and the city's volcanic cone landmarks during the final approach. Auckland typically uses runways 03 or 21 depending on wind; either direction favors left-side views of the city and harbour geography.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Auckland. While landing favors the left, the departure from Hong Kong offers more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the harbour, peninsula, and island geography. The takeoff view is more consistently engaging than the landing approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Victoria Harbour waterfront and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft climbs out on the typical eastbound departure. The urban sprawl of Hong Kong Island and the surrounding water features dominate the initial climb. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island skyline, South China Sea.
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland's waterfront, and the city's volcanic cone landmarks during the final approach. Auckland typically uses runways 03 or 21 depending on wind; either direction favors left-side views of the city and harbour geography. Notable sights include: Waitemata Harbour, Auckland CBD skyline, Rangitoto Island, Devonport Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Auckland?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Auckland International (AKL) takes Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Hong Kong to Auckland flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea for roughly 8-9 hours with no significant landmarks visible. The aircraft passes south of the Coral Sea and east of the Australian continent (not visible at cruise altitude). Approaching New Zealand, the North Island's northern tip and the Bay of Islands become visible approximately 1 hour before landing, followed by the Northland Peninsula. The approach to Auckland brings the Hauraki Gulf into view with its numerous islands scattered across the water.