The right side captures the harbour and Sounds on departure, the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook region during cruise as the flight path tracks down the eastern flank of the range, and the dramatic Remarkables mountain approach into Queenstown — a rare combination of alpine and coastal drama on one side.
Flown WLG to ZQN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Wellington to Queenstown International is 398 miles (640 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Cook Strait crossing, Kaikoura Ranges near the coast, Canterbury Plains, and the snow-capped Southern Alps including Aoraki/Mount Cook visible to the west of the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from WLG
RIGHTDeparting WLG on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north over Wellington Harbour before turning south toward Cook Strait; the turn puts the harbour, city basin, and the Marlborough Sounds on the right side as the plane crosses into the South Island. The left side mostly shows open water and the Rimutaka hills with less definition.
Landing at ZQN
RIGHTApproaching ZQN, aircraft typically maneuver around the Remarkables Range before lining up on runway 05/23, keeping the jagged, snow-streaked Remarkables and the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu prominently on the right side during the final descent and turn. The left side faces the lower Frankton basin and open sky with less mountain drama.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Wellington International (WLG) to Queenstown (ZQN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Wellington to Queenstown International. The right side captures the harbour and Sounds on departure, the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook region during cruise as the flight path tracks down the eastern flank of the range, and the dramatic Remarkables mountain approach into Queenstown — a rare combination of alpine and coastal drama on one side.
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. Departing WLG on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north over Wellington Harbour before turning south toward Cook Strait; the turn puts the harbour, city basin, and the Marlborough Sounds on the right side as the plane crosses into the South Island. The left side mostly shows open water and the Rimutaka hills with less definition. Notable sights include: Wellington Harbour, Wellington CBD, Cook Strait, Marlborough Sounds.
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 ZQN, aircraft typically maneuver around the Remarkables Range before lining up on runway 05/23, keeping the jagged, snow-streaked Remarkables and the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu prominently on the right side during the final descent and turn. The left side faces the lower Frankton basin and open sky with less mountain drama. Notable sights include: The Remarkables Range, Lake Wakatipu, Ben Lomond, Queenstown township.
How long is the flight from Wellington to Queenstown International?
The flight from Wellington International (WLG) to Queenstown (ZQN) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 398 miles (640 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Wellington to Queenstown International flight path pass over?
Cook Strait crossing, Kaikoura Ranges near the coast, Canterbury Plains, and the snow-capped Southern Alps including Aoraki/Mount Cook visible to the west of the flight path