While left offers good Melbourne departure views, right dominates the flight with unobstructed views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables during the longer descent phase into Queenstown, which comprises the most visually dramatic portion of this route.
Flown MBW to ZQN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Queenstown International is 1,311 miles (2,110 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
The flight crosses the Tasman Sea for roughly 200 kilometers. At midpoint, you'll be over open water with no landmarks visible. As you approach New Zealand's South Island, the Southern Alps become visible on the horizon, with Mount Aspiring and the Matukituki Valley appearing before Lake Wakatipu comes into view during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MBW
LEFTLeft side captures the Port Phillip Bay shoreline and the Melbourne metropolitan sprawl receding southward. You'll see the bay's distinctive shape and the Dandenong Ranges inland to the east.
Landing at ZQN
RIGHTRight side provides the best views during descent into Queenstown. You'll see Lake Wakatipu in full, the Remarkables mountain range dominating the landscape, and the Shotover River valley where the airport sits.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Queenstown (ZQN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Queenstown International. While left offers good Melbourne departure views, right dominates the flight with unobstructed views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables during the longer descent phase into Queenstown, which comprises the most visually dramatic portion of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Port Phillip Bay shoreline and the Melbourne metropolitan sprawl receding southward. You'll see the bay's distinctive shape and the Dandenong Ranges inland to the east. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne CBD skyline, Mornington Peninsula coastline.
What can I see when landing at Queenstown in Queenstown International?
When landing at Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best views during descent into Queenstown. You'll see Lake Wakatipu in full, the Remarkables mountain range dominating the landscape, and the Shotover River valley where the airport sits. Notable sights include: Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables mountain range, Shotover River valley, Coronet Peak.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Queenstown International?
The flight from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Queenstown (ZQN) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,311 miles (2,110 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Queenstown International flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Tasman Sea for roughly 200 kilometers. At midpoint, you'll be over open water with no landmarks visible. As you approach New Zealand's South Island, the Southern Alps become visible on the horizon, with Mount Aspiring and the Matukituki Valley appearing before Lake Wakatipu comes into view during descent.