Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Auckland. The left seat delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. The landing view from the right is excellent, but since most of the 12-hour overwater flight is featureless Pacific Ocean regardless of side, the takeoff scenery tips the balance to left overall. Passengers who prioritize the Auckland arrival should sit right.

During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west over the Bay, then aircraft turn northwest or southwest. A left/south-facing seat captures San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Peninsula coastline as the aircraft climbs and banks. Right seats face north toward the less dramatic East Bay hills. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco city skyline, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.

When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Auckland Airport sits on the Manukau Harbour side of the isthmus. Flights arriving from the northeast typically use runway 23L/23R, approaching from the Waitemata Harbour side. Right seats face northwest, giving views of the Waitemata Harbour, the Auckland CBD skyline, the Harbour Bridge, and Rangitoto Island as the aircraft descends over the isthmus. Notable sights include: Waitemata Harbour, Auckland CBD skyline, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island.

The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Auckland International (AKL) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours.

The great circle route from SFO to AKL tracks southwest across the open North Pacific, passing well south of Hawaii (Hawaii is not on this route), crossing the equator at roughly 165-170 degrees West longitude, then continuing south-southwest over the central South Pacific. The route passes near Kiribati's Phoenix Islands group and Tokelau at altitude. The vast majority of the flight is open ocean with no visible land. The International Date Line is crossed mid-flight. Approaching New Zealand, the Northland peninsula tip and the Hauraki Gulf islands become visible in the final descent.