While landing favors the left, the takeoff experience from Essendon is more visually rewarding with immediate views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic geography during departure, and the flight path over the Tasman Sea offers less distinctive features for either side during cruise.
Flown MEB to AKL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Auckland is 1,635 miles (2,631 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The flight crosses the Tasman Sea with no significant landmarks visible during cruise. The route passes over open water between Victoria and New Zealand's North Island. Approaching New Zealand, the North Island's northern coastline becomes visible, including the Bay of Islands region to the north and the Northland Peninsula. The descent into Auckland begins over the Hauraki Gulf, where small islands and the gulf's water features become increasingly visible.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay during the initial climb. Essendon typically departs to the northwest, so right-side passengers get the best view of these major geographic features as the aircraft banks and climbs away from Melbourne.
Landing at AKL
LEFTLeft-side seats offer superior views during the descent into Auckland. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast over the Hauraki Gulf, and left-side passengers see Rangitoto Island, the Waitakere Ranges, and the Auckland isthmus clearly. The descent path provides excellent perspective of these landmarks as they grow larger.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Auckland. While landing favors the left, the takeoff experience from Essendon is more visually rewarding with immediate views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic geography during departure, and the flight path over the Tasman Sea offers less distinctive features for either side during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay during the initial climb. Essendon typically departs to the northwest, so right-side passengers get the best view of these major geographic features as the aircraft banks and climbs away from Melbourne. Notable sights include: Dandenong Ranges (forested ridge to the east), Port Phillip Bay (large water body to the south and west), Melbourne CBD skyline (distant to the southeast), Yarra River valley (visible as a linear feature through the urban sprawl).
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. Left-side seats offer superior views during the descent into Auckland. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast over the Hauraki Gulf, and left-side passengers see Rangitoto Island, the Waitakere Ranges, and the Auckland isthmus clearly. The descent path provides excellent perspective of these landmarks as they grow larger. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island (distinctive volcanic cone in the Hauraki Gulf), Hauraki Gulf (large body of water), Waitakere Ranges (forested ridge to the west), Auckland isthmus and harbours (Waitemata and Manukau).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Auckland?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,635 miles (2,631 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Auckland flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Tasman Sea with no significant landmarks visible during cruise. The route passes over open water between Victoria and New Zealand's North Island. Approaching New Zealand, the North Island's northern coastline becomes visible, including the Bay of Islands region to the north and the Northland Peninsula. The descent into Auckland begins over the Hauraki Gulf, where small islands and the gulf's water features become increasingly visible.