Both sides spend the vast majority of this ultra-long-haul flight over featureless open Pacific Ocean, capping scores low overall, but the right side edges ahead thanks to a partial Houston skyline glimpse on departure and a genuinely scenic volcanic-island, harbour-city approach into Auckland.
Flight Path
Deep open Pacific Ocean with no visible land; the great-circle route passes well south of Hawaii and north of most Pacific island groups, crossing thousands of miles of featureless water before nearing New Zealand.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTAs the aircraft departs IAH heading south-southeast toward the Gulf of Mexico, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Houston's downtown skyline and the maze of bayous and suburban sprawl before the flat coastal plain gives way to open water. The left side mostly shows featureless farmland and refinery flatlands.
Landing at AKL
RIGHTArriving into AKL from the north on final approach to runway 23L, the aircraft typically tracks down over the Hauraki Gulf, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Rangitoto's volcanic cone, the Auckland harbour bridge, and the city skyline before touchdown. The left side during this turn mostly faces open water and distant Waitakere Ranges.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Auckland. Both sides spend the vast majority of this ultra-long-haul flight over featureless open Pacific Ocean, capping scores low overall, but the right side edges ahead thanks to a partial Houston skyline glimpse on departure and a genuinely scenic volcanic-island, harbour-city approach into Auckland.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. As the aircraft departs IAH heading south-southeast toward the Gulf of Mexico, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Houston's downtown skyline and the maze of bayous and suburban sprawl before the flat coastal plain gives way to open water. The left side mostly shows featureless farmland and refinery flatlands. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into AKL from the north on final approach to runway 23L, the aircraft typically tracks down over the Hauraki Gulf, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Rangitoto's volcanic cone, the Auckland harbour bridge, and the city skyline before touchdown. The left side during this turn mostly faces open water and distant Waitakere Ranges. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island, Waitemata Harbour, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Auckland CBD skyline.
How long is the flight from Houston to Auckland?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Auckland International (AKL) takes 17h 45m.
What does the Houston to Auckland flight path pass over?
Deep open Pacific Ocean with no visible land; the great-circle route passes well south of Hawaii and north of most Pacific island groups, crossing thousands of miles of featureless water before nearing New Zealand.