Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nelson to Queenstown International. Takeoff from Nelson offers superior scenery with the Richmond Range and Tasman Bay clearly visible on the right. While landing favors the left for the Remarkables, the northbound departure provides more sustained visual interest and the flight path itself crosses over significant terrain (Wither Hills, Wairau Valley) that is better seen from the right side during the southern leg of the journey.

During takeoff from Nelson (NSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Nelson sits on the northern coast of the South Island. Right-side seats face southwest toward the Tasman Bay coastline and the Richmond Range, which rises immediately inland. Left seats look northeast over water with minimal terrain interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: Tasman Bay (immediate coastline), Richmond Range (southwest, forested ridges), Nelson city grid (directly below during initial climb), Waimea Inlet (to the south).

When landing at Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Left side for the best views. The approach to Queenstown from the north descends over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Range. Left-side seats face the dramatic eastern face of the Remarkables and the lake's northern basin during final approach. Right seats see the western slopes and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Wakatipu (dominant water feature, north to south orientation), The Remarkables Range (eastern wall, jagged peaks), Coronet Peak (northern ski field visible on ridgeline), Queenstown basin and urban area (southern shore of lake).

The flight from Nelson (NSN) to Queenstown (ZQN) takes 0h 55m.

Wairau Valley (broad agricultural plain with Wither Hills to the east), Lake Rotoiti (alpine lake visible around midpoint), Wither Hills Range (eastern boundary of Wairau Valley), transition from Nelson region's green farmland to the drier, more mountainous terrain approaching Queenstown