While takeoff favors the right for Yellow Sea views, the landing experience on the left is significantly more dramatic and memorable—Rangitoto Island and Waitemata Harbour are iconic and visually striking. The landing view outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown ICN to AKL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Auckland is 6,000 miles (9,656 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean for roughly 1,200 nautical miles. Notable features include: the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula (visible on northbound routing if used), the vast open Pacific with occasional weather systems, and the approach to New Zealand's North Island from the northeast, where the Bay of Plenty and East Cape become visible approximately 1 hour before landing. Most of the flight occurs over featureless ocean at cruise altitude (typically 35,000-43,000 feet), where cloud cover and distance make ground features indistinct.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
RIGHTICN typically departs to the west or southwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Yellow Sea and the Korean peninsula's western coastline as the aircraft climbs. Left seats face inland toward Seoul and the Korean interior, which is less visually distinctive at altitude.
Landing at AKL
LEFTAuckland typically lands from the northeast on Runway 03 or from the southwest on Runway 21. For either approach, left-side seats provide superior views of the Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto Island, and the Auckland isthmus. Right seats face the Tasman Sea or inland farmland, which lack distinctive landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Auckland. While takeoff favors the right for Yellow Sea views, the landing experience on the left is significantly more dramatic and memorable—Rangitoto Island and Waitemata Harbour are iconic and visually striking. The landing view outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Incheon International in Seoul?
During takeoff from Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Right side for the best views. ICN typically departs to the west or southwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Yellow Sea and the Korean peninsula's western coastline as the aircraft climbs. Left seats face inland toward Seoul and the Korean interior, which is less visually distinctive at altitude. Notable sights include: Yellow Sea (immediate view westward), Incheon's reclaimed land and harbor infrastructure, Seoul metropolitan area (visible as urban sprawl to the southeast), Korean peninsula's western coastal plains.
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. Auckland typically lands from the northeast on Runway 03 or from the southwest on Runway 21. For either approach, left-side seats provide superior views of the Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto Island, and the Auckland isthmus. Right seats face the Tasman Sea or inland farmland, which lack distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Waitemata Harbour (central feature), Rangitoto Island (iconic volcanic cone), Auckland's CBD and waterfront, Hauraki Gulf with its island chains.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Auckland?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,000 miles (9,656 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Auckland flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean for roughly 1,200 nautical miles. Notable features include: the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula (visible on northbound routing if used), the vast open Pacific with occasional weather systems, and the approach to New Zealand's North Island from the northeast, where the Bay of Plenty and East Cape become visible approximately 1 hour before landing. Most of the flight occurs over featureless ocean at cruise altitude (typically 35,000-43,000 feet), where cloud cover and distance make ground features indistinct.