The left side combines Melbourne's skyline and bay on departure with a close-up view of the Remarkables on arrival, while the right side offers only flat farmland at takeoff and a less dramatic mountain backdrop at landing.
Flown MEL to ZQN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Queenstown International is 1,334 miles (2,147 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Open Tasman Sea with no visible land for most of the cruise, aircraft flying well south of Tasmania and Flinders Island before New Zealand's Southern Alps come into view on descent
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTDeparting Melbourne on runway 16, the climb path takes the aircraft almost directly over the CBD and out across Port Phillip Bay, both of which sit on the left side of the fuselage. The right side mostly shows flat western suburbs and paddocks with little visual interest.
Landing at ZQN
LEFTOn the approach into Queenstown, aircraft typically descend south down the Wakatipu Basin toward runway 23, putting the jagged Remarkables Range directly on the left side of the cabin. The right side faces Coronet Peak and Ben Lomond, which are scenic but less dramatic than the sheer Remarkables wall.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Queenstown (ZQN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Queenstown International. The left side combines Melbourne's skyline and bay on departure with a close-up view of the Remarkables on arrival, while the right side offers only flat farmland at takeoff and a less dramatic mountain backdrop at landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Melbourne on runway 16, the climb path takes the aircraft almost directly over the CBD and out across Port Phillip Bay, both of which sit on the left side of the fuselage. The right side mostly shows flat western suburbs and paddocks with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River mouth, Mornington Peninsula coastline.
What can I see when landing at Queenstown in Queenstown International?
When landing at Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into Queenstown, aircraft typically descend south down the Wakatipu Basin toward runway 23, putting the jagged Remarkables Range directly on the left side of the cabin. The right side faces Coronet Peak and Ben Lomond, which are scenic but less dramatic than the sheer Remarkables wall. Notable sights include: The Remarkables Range, Lake Wakatipu, Shotover River valley, Queenstown township.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Queenstown International?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Queenstown (ZQN) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,334 miles (2,147 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Queenstown International flight path pass over?
Open Tasman Sea with no visible land for most of the cruise, aircraft flying well south of Tasmania and Flinders Island before New Zealand's Southern Alps come into view on descent