While takeoff offers good harbour views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Otago Peninsula's unique geography and the enclosed harbour landscape. The peninsula's hook shape is one of New Zealand's most recognizable coastal features from the air.
Flown WLG to DUD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Wellington to Dunedin is 393 miles (632 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Strait of Cook and passes over the Marlborough Sounds region, then continues south over the Tasman Bay and the West Coast ranges before descending toward Otago. The Cook Strait itself is the most notable midpoint feature, with its complex water patterns and the narrow passage between the North and South Islands clearly visible at cruising altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from WLG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Wellington Harbour and the Cook Strait as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the harbour's distinctive shape and the Remutaka Range rising inland to the northeast.
Landing at DUD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Dunedin. You'll see the Otago Peninsula's distinctive hook shape, Otago Harbour, and the city nestled between the peninsula and the mainland hills.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Wellington International (WLG) to Dunedin (DUD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Wellington to Dunedin. While takeoff offers good harbour views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Otago Peninsula's unique geography and the enclosed harbour landscape. The peninsula's hook shape is one of New Zealand's most recognizable coastal features from the air.
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. Right-side seats offer views of Wellington Harbour and the Cook Strait as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the harbour's distinctive shape and the Remutaka Range rising inland to the northeast. Notable sights include: Wellington Harbour, Cook Strait, Remutaka Range, Kapiti Island (visible to the northwest across the strait).
What can I see when landing at Dunedin in Dunedin?
When landing at Dunedin (DUD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Dunedin. You'll see the Otago Peninsula's distinctive hook shape, Otago Harbour, and the city nestled between the peninsula and the mainland hills. Notable sights include: Otago Peninsula, Otago Harbour, Dunedin city, Port Chalmers.
How long is the flight from Wellington to Dunedin?
The flight from Wellington International (WLG) to Dunedin (DUD) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 393 miles (632 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Wellington to Dunedin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Strait of Cook and passes over the Marlborough Sounds region, then continues south over the Tasman Bay and the West Coast ranges before descending toward Otago. The Cook Strait itself is the most notable midpoint feature, with its complex water patterns and the narrow passage between the North and South Islands clearly visible at cruising altitude.