While the right side wins at Masterton, the left side delivers far more dramatic scenery on the long haul — particularly the Alpine arrival into Zurich with Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps. Over the Southern Ocean and Central Asia the views are largely featureless, but the European approach makes left the better overall choice.
Flown MRO to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Masterton to Zurich is 11,658 miles (18,761 km), a flight of about 21 hours 50 minutes.
Southern Ocean crossing south of Australia, overfly or near Singapore and the Malay Peninsula, Bay of Bengal, Indian subcontinent (possibly over India or Pakistan depending on routing), Persian Gulf region, then across Iran, Turkey or the Caucasus, Black Sea, and the Balkans or Central Europe into Switzerland
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MRO
RIGHTMasterton's runway runs roughly northeast-southwest. Departing to the northeast, the right side faces northwest toward the Tararua Range, which dominates the western skyline. The rugged ridgeline of the Tararuas is clearly visible as you climb out over the Wairarapa plain.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTZurich's main runway 14/28 means arrivals from the northwest on runway 28 put the left side facing south toward the Alps. On approach from the northwest, the left window gives a clear view of the Swiss Alps including the Glarus Alps and, on clear days, the Bernese Oberland peaks on the horizon. Lake Zurich is also visible to the left on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Masterton (MRO) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Masterton to Zurich. While the right side wins at Masterton, the left side delivers far more dramatic scenery on the long haul — particularly the Alpine arrival into Zurich with Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps. Over the Southern Ocean and Central Asia the views are largely featureless, but the European approach makes left the better overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Masterton in Masterton?
During takeoff from Masterton (MRO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Masterton's runway runs roughly northeast-southwest. Departing to the northeast, the right side faces northwest toward the Tararua Range, which dominates the western skyline. The rugged ridgeline of the Tararuas is clearly visible as you climb out over the Wairarapa plain. Notable sights include: Tararua Range to the northwest, Wairarapa plain and Lake Wairarapa to the south, Remutaka Range to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich's main runway 14/28 means arrivals from the northwest on runway 28 put the left side facing south toward the Alps. On approach from the northwest, the left window gives a clear view of the Swiss Alps including the Glarus Alps and, on clear days, the Bernese Oberland peaks on the horizon. Lake Zurich is also visible to the left on final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich to the southeast, Swiss Alps (Glarus Alps) on the southern horizon, Zurich city centre below, Lake Greifen to the east.
How long is the flight from Masterton to Zurich?
The flight from Masterton (MRO) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 21 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 11,658 miles (18,761 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Masterton to Zurich flight path pass over?
Southern Ocean crossing south of Australia, overfly or near Singapore and the Malay Peninsula, Bay of Bengal, Indian subcontinent (possibly over India or Pakistan depending on routing), Persian Gulf region, then across Iran, Turkey or the Caucasus, Black Sea, and the Balkans or Central Europe into Switzerland