Wellington to Woodbourne is 50 miles (81 km), a flight of about 55 minutes.
The left side captures the most dramatic scenery on both legs: Wellington's western mountains during departure and the Richmond Range during approach. The flight path itself crosses Cook Strait, which is visible from either side, but the eastern and western mountain ranges that define this route are best seen from the left.
Flight Path
Cook Strait (the primary geographic feature crossed during the flight), Picton and the Marlborough Sounds coastline on the South Island, the transition from Wellington's urban landscape to the open water and then to the Wairau Valley's agricultural plains. The flight passes over open water for roughly 20-25 minutes of the journey, making the strait crossing the visual centerpiece of the route.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from WLG
RIGHTWellington's runway 16 departs northward over Cook Strait. Right-side seats face west toward the Remutaka Range and Hutt Valley, offering immediate views of the mountainous terrain that frames the city's eastern edge.
Landing at BHE
LEFTWoodbourne lies in the Wairau Valley on the South Island. Left-side seats during descent and approach face east toward the Richmond Range and the valley's eastern wall, providing views of the dramatic mountain backdrop and the flat agricultural plain where the airfield sits.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Wellington International (WLG) to Woodbourne (BHE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Wellington to Woodbourne. The left side captures the most dramatic scenery on both legs: Wellington's western mountains during departure and the Richmond Range during approach. The flight path itself crosses Cook Strait, which is visible from either side, but the eastern and western mountain ranges that define this route are best seen from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Wellington International in Wellington?
During takeoff from Wellington International (WLG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Wellington's runway 16 departs northward over Cook Strait. Right-side seats face west toward the Remutaka Range and Hutt Valley, offering immediate views of the mountainous terrain that frames the city's eastern edge. Notable sights include: Remutaka Range, Hutt Valley, Cook Strait, Wellington Harbour.
What can I see when landing at Woodbourne in Woodbourne?
When landing at Woodbourne (BHE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Woodbourne lies in the Wairau Valley on the South Island. Left-side seats during descent and approach face east toward the Richmond Range and the valley's eastern wall, providing views of the dramatic mountain backdrop and the flat agricultural plain where the airfield sits. Notable sights include: Richmond Range, Wairau Valley, Wither Hills, Cloudy Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Wellington to Woodbourne?
The flight from Wellington International (WLG) to Woodbourne (BHE) takes about 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 50 miles (81 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Wellington to Woodbourne flight path pass over?
Cook Strait (the primary geographic feature crossed during the flight), Picton and the Marlborough Sounds coastline on the South Island, the transition from Wellington's urban landscape to the open water and then to the Wairau Valley's agricultural plains. The flight passes over open water for roughly 20-25 minutes of the journey, making the strait crossing the visual centerpiece of the route.