The right side wins on both ends of the flight: island scenery during the Nadi departure and mountain views on the Christchurch approach, while the long mid-ocean cruise offers little to differentiate either side.
Flight Path
The route crosses open Pacific and Tasman Sea waters with no landmasses along the direct path between Fiji and New Zealand's South Island.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NAN
RIGHTDeparting on runway 20 from Nadi, the aircraft climbs southwest directly over the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains, which lie just offshore to the west of Viti Levu. Passengers on the right get a clear view of these turquoise-fringed volcanic islets before the plane heads out over open water.
Landing at CHC
RIGHTOn the descent into Christchurch, the typical approach path tracks south along the eastern side of the South Island, putting the Kaikoura Ranges and the snow-capped Southern Alps on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows open Pacific water until final turn.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nadi International (NAN) to Christchurch International (CHC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nandi to Christchurch. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: island scenery during the Nadi departure and mountain views on the Christchurch approach, while the long mid-ocean cruise offers little to differentiate either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Nadi International in Nandi?
During takeoff from Nadi International (NAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 20 from Nadi, the aircraft climbs southwest directly over the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains, which lie just offshore to the west of Viti Levu. Passengers on the right get a clear view of these turquoise-fringed volcanic islets before the plane heads out over open water. Notable sights include: Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, Viti Levu's western coastline, Nadi Bay.
What can I see when landing at Christchurch International in Christchurch?
When landing at Christchurch International (CHC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Christchurch, the typical approach path tracks south along the eastern side of the South Island, putting the Kaikoura Ranges and the snow-capped Southern Alps on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows open Pacific water until final turn. Notable sights include: Kaikoura Ranges, Southern Alps foothills, Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Nandi to Christchurch?
The flight from Nadi International (NAN) to Christchurch International (CHC) takes 4h 05m.
What does the Nandi to Christchurch flight path pass over?
The route crosses open Pacific and Tasman Sea waters with no landmasses along the direct path between Fiji and New Zealand's South Island.