Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Auckland. The right side scores higher due to Auckland's exceptional landing approach over the Waitemata Harbour and volcanic Rangitoto Island, plus the Hauraki Gulf's island-studded seascape. Madrid's departure offers modest Sierra views but cannot compete with Auckland's dramatic volcanic and maritime scenery. The left side is dominated by 20+ hours of open ocean with minimal visual interest.

During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Madrid's departure northwestward offers views of the Spanish meseta and Sierra de Guadarrama foothills. The right side faces inland plateau with minimal relief. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (distant peaks), Tagus River valley, Madrid urban sprawl.

When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Auckland's approach from the northeast crosses the Hauraki Gulf with volcanic islands, then descends over the Waitemata Harbour and city waterfront. The left side approaches over open Tasman Sea with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto Island (extinct volcano), Auckland city skyline and waterfront, Hauraki Gulf islands.

The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Auckland International (AKL) takes 23h 15m.

This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Mediterranean (Balearic Islands, Sardinia, Sicily visible on early departure), North Africa (Atlas Mountains, Sahara), sub-Saharan Africa (Congo Basin, East African highlands), Indian Ocean (Mauritius, Reunion as small islands), and approaches New Zealand from the northeast across the Tasman Sea. The most dramatic midpoint scenery occurs over East Africa (Rift Valley escarpments, Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro region) and the transition into the Indian Ocean. Most of the flight is open ocean with minimal landmarks.