While the left side offers excellent views during Vienna departure, the right side provides the more dramatic and memorable scenery during the final descent into Queenstown, where the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu create a striking visual finale to the journey.
Flown VIE to ZQN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vienna to Queenstown International is 11,105 miles (17,872 km), a flight of about 17 hours 35 minutes.
Over the Mediterranean (Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy), the Suez Canal and Red Sea crossing, Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf region, Indian Ocean crossing south of the Maldives, over the southern Indian Ocean with occasional sightings of remote island groups, then approaching New Zealand via the Tasman Sea with the Southern Alps becoming visible on final approach to the South Island.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from VIE
LEFTDeparting Vienna eastbound, the left side offers immediate views of the Danube River winding through the Vienna Basin and the Alpine foothills rising to the south. The right side faces the flat Pannonian Plain with minimal relief.
Landing at ZQN
RIGHTApproaching Queenstown from the northeast, the right side provides stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu as the aircraft descends into the Queenstown Basin. The left side faces the Wanaka region and less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schwechat (VIE) to Queenstown (ZQN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vienna to Queenstown International. While the left side offers excellent views during Vienna departure, the right side provides the more dramatic and memorable scenery during the final descent into Queenstown, where the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu create a striking visual finale to the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Schwechat in Vienna?
During takeoff from Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Vienna eastbound, the left side offers immediate views of the Danube River winding through the Vienna Basin and the Alpine foothills rising to the south. The right side faces the flat Pannonian Plain with minimal relief. Notable sights include: Danube River (visible as a silvery ribbon threading through the city), Eastern Alps (Carpathian foothills on the horizon), Vienna city center with Stephansdom spire area, Little Carpathians ridge to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Queenstown in Queenstown International?
When landing at Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching Queenstown from the northeast, the right side provides stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu as the aircraft descends into the Queenstown Basin. The left side faces the Wanaka region and less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: The Remarkables (dramatic jagged ridge), Lake Wakatipu (long, narrow alpine lake), Coronet Peak (ski field on the western slopes), Queenstown Basin and surrounding valleys.
How long is the flight from Vienna to Queenstown International?
The flight from Schwechat (VIE) to Queenstown (ZQN) takes about 17 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 11,105 miles (17,872 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vienna to Queenstown International flight path pass over?
Over the Mediterranean (Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy), the Suez Canal and Red Sea crossing, Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf region, Indian Ocean crossing south of the Maldives, over the southern Indian Ocean with occasional sightings of remote island groups, then approaching New Zealand via the Tasman Sea with the Southern Alps becoming visible on final approach to the South Island.