The left side delivers the flight's two best scenic moments: Mount Baker and the Cascades during departure, and Rangitoto Island with Auckland's harbour and skyline during arrival. The right side only offers a brief glimpse of Vancouver's North Shore mountains before the long ocean crossing begins.
Flight Path
The cruise phase is dominated by open Pacific Ocean with no landmass in view for roughly 11-12 hours. The great-circle route passes well west of the Hawaiian Islands, crosses the equator over open water, and passes north of Fiji and Tonga before descending toward New Zealand's North Island.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTAfter departing YVR to the west and banking onto the southwesterly track toward the Pacific, the left side faces inland toward the Washington Cascades. Passengers get a sustained view of Mount Baker's snow-capped volcanic cone, the San Juan Islands, and Puget Sound before the coastline falls away and the ocean crossing begins.
Landing at AKL
LEFTOn the northeasterly approach into AKL's runway 23L, the descent path crosses the Hauraki Gulf before turning onto final approach. The left side offers a clear look at Rangitoto Island's distinctive volcanic silhouette, the scattered gulf islands, and the Auckland CBD skyline with the Sky Tower as the city passes by before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Auckland. The left side delivers the flight's two best scenic moments: Mount Baker and the Cascades during departure, and Rangitoto Island with Auckland's harbour and skyline during arrival. The right side only offers a brief glimpse of Vancouver's North Shore mountains before the long ocean crossing begins.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. After departing YVR to the west and banking onto the southwesterly track toward the Pacific, the left side faces inland toward the Washington Cascades. Passengers get a sustained view of Mount Baker's snow-capped volcanic cone, the San Juan Islands, and Puget Sound before the coastline falls away and the ocean crossing begins. Notable sights include: Mount Baker, San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, North Cascades.
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the northeasterly approach into AKL's runway 23L, the descent path crosses the Hauraki Gulf before turning onto final approach. The left side offers a clear look at Rangitoto Island's distinctive volcanic silhouette, the scattered gulf islands, and the Auckland CBD skyline with the Sky Tower as the city passes by before touchdown. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland Sky Tower and CBD skyline, Waitemata Harbour.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Auckland?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Auckland International (AKL) takes 13h 15m.
What does the Vancouver to Auckland flight path pass over?
The cruise phase is dominated by open Pacific Ocean with no landmass in view for roughly 11-12 hours. The great-circle route passes well west of the Hawaiian Islands, crosses the equator over open water, and passes north of Fiji and Tonga before descending toward New Zealand's North Island.