Sydney to Auckland flight path: SYD to AKL

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Auckland. Both sides offer a strong scenic bookend, but the Auckland arrival sequence over Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf is longer and more visually varied than the brief harbour glimpse on departure from Sydney, giving the right side a slight edge across the full flight.

During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sydney's northerly departure track climbs directly over the harbour before banking right toward the Tasman Sea, putting the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the northern beaches on the left side of the cabin during the turn. It's one of the most photographed departure sequences in the world, though it only lasts a couple of minutes before the coast falls away. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and CBD skyline, Manly and the Northern Beaches, Middle Harbour.

When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Auckland on runway 23L typically loop around the eastern side of the city before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers an extended view over the Hauraki Gulf. The volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island and the Auckland skyline are visible for several minutes during descent, longer and more varied than the brief takeoff view. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf islands, Auckland CBD and Sky Tower, Waitemata Harbour.

The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,342 miles (2,159 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

The route crosses the open Tasman Sea with no land visible for roughly two and a half hours; the only scenery is open ocean, occasional cloud fields, and ship wakes far below.