Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Wellington. While takeoff favours the right, the landing approach on left side seats provides more dramatic and sustained views of Wellington's distinctive geography—the harbour, surrounding hills, and Cook Strait—which are the flight's visual highlight. The approach descent offers better viewing time than the brief Essendon climb-out.

During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side seats capture the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs eastward from Essendon's typical runway 08/26 orientation. The ranges form a distinct dark forested ridge that's clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Dandenong Ranges (forested ridge to the east), Port Phillip Bay (western expanse), Melbourne CBD skyline (southern view during climb), Yarra River valley.

When landing at Wellington International (WLG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of Wellington Harbour and the Cook Strait as the aircraft descends on approach. The harbour's distinctive shape and the surrounding hills of Wellington's central business district are prominent features during final descent. Notable sights include: Wellington Harbour (distinctive enclosed water body), Cook Strait (wider water passage to the north), Te Aro and Kelburn hills (steep terrain surrounding the city), Remutaka Range (visible across the strait to the northeast).

The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Wellington International (WLG) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight crosses the Tasman Sea for roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. Notable features include: departure from Port Phillip Bay and climbing over the Victorian coast near Cape Otway; the open Tasman Sea with occasional cloud formations and shipping lanes; approach to New Zealand's North Island with the Remutaka Range and Wairarapa region visible before descent into Wellington. The Cook Strait crossing during descent provides views of the strait's narrowest point and the transition between North and South Island terrain.