Throughout this short hop, the right side consistently faces the mountainous interior of the South Island, from Nelson's foothills at takeoff to the Southern Alps backdrop on the Christchurch approach, while the left side offers mostly flat bay and plains scenery.
Flight Path
Interior ranges of the northern South Island, including foothills near St Arnaud and the upper Canterbury high country before the descent onto the Canterbury Plains
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NSN
RIGHTClimbing out of Nelson, the right side looks west/southwest toward the Bryant Range and the foothills leading into Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes country, giving an immediate sense of rugged relief. The left side mostly shows Tasman Bay's flat water and the Richmond Range, which is scenic but less dramatic.
Landing at CHC
RIGHTOn the descent into Christchurch from the north, the right side faces west toward the snow-dusted Southern Alps rising sharply behind the flat Canterbury Plains, a striking contrast that's the defining view of this approach. The left side mainly shows the flatter plains and Pegasus Bay coastline, which is pleasant but less dramatic.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nelson (NSN) to Christchurch International (CHC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nelson to Christchurch. Throughout this short hop, the right side consistently faces the mountainous interior of the South Island, from Nelson's foothills at takeoff to the Southern Alps backdrop on the Christchurch approach, while the left side offers mostly flat bay and plains scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Nelson in Nelson?
During takeoff from Nelson (NSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of Nelson, the right side looks west/southwest toward the Bryant Range and the foothills leading into Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes country, giving an immediate sense of rugged relief. The left side mostly shows Tasman Bay's flat water and the Richmond Range, which is scenic but less dramatic. Notable sights include: Tasman Bay, Bryant Range, Richmond Range foothills.
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 from the north, the right side faces west toward the snow-dusted Southern Alps rising sharply behind the flat Canterbury Plains, a striking contrast that's the defining view of this approach. The left side mainly shows the flatter plains and Pegasus Bay coastline, which is pleasant but less dramatic. Notable sights include: Southern Alps foothills, Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri River.
How long is the flight from Nelson to Christchurch?
The flight from Nelson (NSN) to Christchurch International (CHC) takes 0h 40m.
What does the Nelson to Christchurch flight path pass over?
Interior ranges of the northern South Island, including foothills near St Arnaud and the upper Canterbury high country before the descent onto the Canterbury Plains