The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula at takeoff, followed by the dramatic Kaikoura Ranges and Marlborough Sounds during the Cook Strait approach into Wellington — while the right side offers mostly flat suburban terrain and open ocean.
Flown MEB to WLG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Wellington is 1,605 miles (2,583 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Open Tasman Sea with no visible land for the bulk of the cruise phase
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
LEFTDeparting Essendon on runway 26 into prevailing southwesterlies, the aircraft banks south before turning east for the Tasman crossing, giving left-side passengers a clear view down over Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula coastline. The right side mostly shows Melbourne's northern suburbs and flatter inland terrain.
Landing at WLG
LEFTWith northerly winds favoring runway 34, the approach into Wellington typically tracks up through Cook Strait from the south, putting the rugged Marlborough Sounds and the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges of the South Island on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mainly faces open water and the flatter Wairarapa coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Wellington International (WLG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Wellington. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula at takeoff, followed by the dramatic Kaikoura Ranges and Marlborough Sounds during the Cook Strait approach into Wellington — while the right side offers mostly flat suburban terrain and open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Essendon on runway 26 into prevailing southwesterlies, the aircraft banks south before turning east for the Tasman crossing, giving left-side passengers a clear view down over Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula coastline. The right side mostly shows Melbourne's northern suburbs and flatter inland terrain. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Mornington Peninsula, Bass Strait coastline, Melbourne's southeastern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Wellington International in Wellington?
When landing at Wellington International (WLG), sit on the Left side for the best views. With northerly winds favoring runway 34, the approach into Wellington typically tracks up through Cook Strait from the south, putting the rugged Marlborough Sounds and the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges of the South Island on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mainly faces open water and the flatter Wairarapa coast. Notable sights include: Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura Ranges, Cook Strait, South Island coastline.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Wellington?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Wellington International (WLG) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,605 miles (2,583 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Wellington flight path pass over?
Open Tasman Sea with no visible land for the bulk of the cruise phase