The right side wins on the strength of its bookends: a clear view of Shanghai's skyline and Hangzhou Bay during departure, and a scenic pass over Auckland's volcanic islands and harbour during arrival. The cruise portion is overwhelmingly open ocean (East China Sea, Philippine Sea, Coral Sea, Tasman Sea) on both sides, so the takeoff and landing sequences are what separate the two.
Flown PVG to AKL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Auckland is 5,821 miles (9,368 km), a flight of about 11 hours 20 minutes.
The great-circle route passes near eastern Papua New Guinea and the Bismarck/Solomon Sea region around the equatorial midpoint, then crosses the Coral Sea and Tasman Sea before reaching New Zealand; most of the route is open Pacific water with only scattered island chains briefly visible.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTDeparting PVG southbound on the parallel runways, the right side faces west toward the Shanghai metropolitan sprawl, the Huangpu River, and the Pudong/Puxi skyline before the coastline gives way to Hangzhou Bay. The left side only shows the flat, often hazy East China Sea with no real landmarks.
Landing at AKL
RIGHTArriving from the north on runway 23L, the approach path crosses the Hauraki Gulf and skirts Auckland's isthmus, giving right-side passengers views of Waitemata Harbour, the Sky Tower, and the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island before touchdown. The left side mostly faces open farmland and the less distinctive Manukau Harbour shoreline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Auckland. The right side wins on the strength of its bookends: a clear view of Shanghai's skyline and Hangzhou Bay during departure, and a scenic pass over Auckland's volcanic islands and harbour during arrival. The cruise portion is overwhelmingly open ocean (East China Sea, Philippine Sea, Coral Sea, Tasman Sea) on both sides, so the takeoff and landing sequences are what separate the two.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PVG southbound on the parallel runways, the right side faces west toward the Shanghai metropolitan sprawl, the Huangpu River, and the Pudong/Puxi skyline before the coastline gives way to Hangzhou Bay. The left side only shows the flat, often hazy East China Sea with no real landmarks. Notable sights include: Shanghai skyline (Pudong towers), Huangpu River, Hangzhou Bay coastline, Yangtze River Delta farmland.
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the north on runway 23L, the approach path crosses the Hauraki Gulf and skirts Auckland's isthmus, giving right-side passengers views of Waitemata Harbour, the Sky Tower, and the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island before touchdown. The left side mostly faces open farmland and the less distinctive Manukau Harbour shoreline. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island, Waitemata Harbour, Auckland Sky Tower, Hauraki Gulf.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Auckland?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 11 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,821 miles (9,368 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Auckland flight path pass over?
The great-circle route passes near eastern Papua New Guinea and the Bismarck/Solomon Sea region around the equatorial midpoint, then crosses the Coral Sea and Tasman Sea before reaching New Zealand; most of the route is open Pacific water with only scattered island chains briefly visible.