Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Tamar estuary during takeoff and the full profile of Lake Wakatipu with The Remarkables during descent. The landing view is particularly striking.
Flown LST to ZQN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Launceston to Queenstown International is 1,106 miles (1,780 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The flight crosses the Bass Strait between Tasmania and New Zealand's South Island. En route, you'll pass over open ocean with occasional views of the Tasmanian coast receding westward and the New Zealand coastline approaching from the east. The Southern Alps become visible 30-40 minutes into the flight as a distant mountain chain on the horizon, gradually growing larger. The Fiordland region's complex coastline and fjords may be visible to the west (left) during the approach phase, though the direct flight path favors views of the central South Island's interior mountains.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LST
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Tamar River estuary and the city of Launceston as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the surrounding green valleys of northern Tasmania.
Landing at ZQN
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Queenstown. You'll see Lake Wakatipu's distinctive long, narrow shape and the surrounding Southern Alps, including The Remarkables mountain range rising dramatically above the lake's eastern shore.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Launceston (LST) to Queenstown (ZQN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Launceston to Queenstown International. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Tamar estuary during takeoff and the full profile of Lake Wakatipu with The Remarkables during descent. The landing view is particularly striking.
What can I see during takeoff from Launceston in Launceston?
During takeoff from Launceston (LST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Tamar River estuary and the city of Launceston as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the surrounding green valleys of northern Tasmania. Notable sights include: Tamar River estuary, Launceston city grid, South Esk River confluence, northern Tasmania agricultural plains.
What can I see when landing at Queenstown in Queenstown International?
When landing at Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Queenstown. You'll see Lake Wakatipu's distinctive long, narrow shape and the surrounding Southern Alps, including The Remarkables mountain range rising dramatically above the lake's eastern shore. Notable sights include: Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables mountain range, Coronet Peak, Shotover River valley.
How long is the flight from Launceston to Queenstown International?
The flight from Launceston (LST) to Queenstown (ZQN) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,106 miles (1,780 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Launceston to Queenstown International flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Bass Strait between Tasmania and New Zealand's South Island. En route, you'll pass over open ocean with occasional views of the Tasmanian coast receding westward and the New Zealand coastline approaching from the east. The Southern Alps become visible 30-40 minutes into the flight as a distant mountain chain on the horizon, gradually growing larger. The Fiordland region's complex coastline and fjords may be visible to the west (left) during the approach phase, though the direct flight path favors views of the central South Island's interior mountains.