The right side wins on both ends of this short flight: a spectacular mountain departure past The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, followed by a coastal arrival with Banks Peninsula and the Pacific visible before landing at Christchurch.
Flight Path
Queenstown International to Christchurch is 215 miles (346 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
Southern Alps foothills and the Mackenzie Country high plains give way to the flat, patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains as the aircraft descends toward Christchurch.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZQN
RIGHTDeparting Queenstown, the right side gives the best close-up of The Remarkables range and Lake Wakatipu as the aircraft banks away from the basin. This is one of the most dramatic takeoff sequences of any commercial airport in the world.
Landing at CHC
RIGHTOn the approach into Christchurch, arriving from the south on runway 02, the right side of the aircraft faces east toward Banks Peninsula, an old volcanic landform jutting into the Pacific, with the coastline and harbor visible just 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 Queenstown (ZQN) to Christchurch International (CHC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Queenstown International to Christchurch. The right side wins on both ends of this short flight: a spectacular mountain departure past The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, followed by a coastal arrival with Banks Peninsula and the Pacific visible before landing at Christchurch.
What can I see during takeoff from Queenstown in Queenstown International?
During takeoff from Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Queenstown, the right side gives the best close-up of The Remarkables range and Lake Wakatipu as the aircraft banks away from the basin. This is one of the most dramatic takeoff sequences of any commercial airport in the world. Notable sights include: The Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak, Queenstown township on the lake shore.
What can I see when landing at Christchurch International in Christchurch?
When landing at Christchurch International (CHC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Christchurch, arriving from the south on runway 02, the right side of the aircraft faces east toward Banks Peninsula, an old volcanic landform jutting into the Pacific, with the coastline and harbor visible just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Banks Peninsula, Pacific Ocean coastline, Christchurch city, Canterbury Plains.
How long is the flight from Queenstown International to Christchurch?
The flight from Queenstown (ZQN) to Christchurch International (CHC) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 215 miles (346 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Queenstown International to Christchurch flight path pass over?
Southern Alps foothills and the Mackenzie Country high plains give way to the flat, patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains as the aircraft descends toward Christchurch.