Melbourne to Auckland is 1,622 miles (2,610 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
The right side edges ahead with Port Phillip Bay visible at departure and the Manukau Harbour plus Auckland's skyline on arrival, while the left side offers mostly open Tasman Sea and less distinctive terrain during the long cruise segment.
Flight Path
The majority of the route crosses the open Tasman Sea with no land visible for several hours, until the New Zealand coastline near Auckland comes into view on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MBW
RIGHTDeparting Moorabbin and tracking toward the Tasman, the right side gives a brief look at Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's southeastern suburbs before the aircraft turns out over water. Left side mostly shows the flatter inland suburbs and Dandenong Ranges foothills in the far distance.
Landing at AKL
RIGHTFlights into Auckland from the southwest typically pass over the Manukau Harbour before landing, visible on the right side, with the Auckland skyline and Sky Tower sometimes catching the eye on approach. The left side over this leg mainly shows open farmland and the Waitakere Ranges from a distance.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Auckland. The right side edges ahead with Port Phillip Bay visible at departure and the Manukau Harbour plus Auckland's skyline on arrival, while the left side offers mostly open Tasman Sea and less distinctive terrain during the long cruise segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Moorabbin and tracking toward the Tasman, the right side gives a brief look at Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's southeastern suburbs before the aircraft turns out over water. Left side mostly shows the flatter inland suburbs and Dandenong Ranges foothills in the far distance. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne suburban sprawl, Mornington Peninsula coastline, distant Dandenong Ranges.
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. Flights into Auckland from the southwest typically pass over the Manukau Harbour before landing, visible on the right side, with the Auckland skyline and Sky Tower sometimes catching the eye on approach. The left side over this leg mainly shows open farmland and the Waitakere Ranges from a distance. Notable sights include: Manukau Harbour, Auckland Sky Tower skyline, Waitakere Ranges, Manukau Heads coastline.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Auckland?
The flight from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,622 miles (2,610 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Auckland flight path pass over?
The majority of the route crosses the open Tasman Sea with no land visible for several hours, until the New Zealand coastline near Auckland comes into view on descent.