The Southern Alps departure from Queenstown is a genuinely rare, top-tier scenic moment with close-up alpine terrain and a mountain lake, which outweighs the pleasant but more ordinary skyline view on arrival into Melbourne. The right side gets a solid landing but a comparatively tamer departure over the valley's western flank.
Flight Path
After leaving the Otago mountains behind, the route crosses roughly two hours of open Tasman Sea with no land visible, before the Victorian coastline near Wilsons Promontory or Phillip Island comes into view as the aircraft descends toward Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne.
Great circle distance and headings ›.JPG?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZQN
LEFTDeparting Queenstown on runway 23 (the more commonly used direction), the climb-out tracks southwest down the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu, putting the jagged, snow-streaked Remarkables range right outside the left windows. It's one of the most dramatic takeoffs in commercial aviation, with the lake's turquoise water and the town itself dropping away below.
Landing at MEL
RIGHTOn approach into Melbourne, arrivals from the southeast typically line up for runway 34, crossing Port Phillip Bay from the south. This puts the Melbourne CBD skyline, Docklands towers, and the bay's coastline visible ahead and to the right as the aircraft turns onto final.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Queenstown (ZQN) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Queenstown International to Melbourne. The Southern Alps departure from Queenstown is a genuinely rare, top-tier scenic moment with close-up alpine terrain and a mountain lake, which outweighs the pleasant but more ordinary skyline view on arrival into Melbourne. The right side gets a solid landing but a comparatively tamer departure over the valley's western flank.
What can I see during takeoff from Queenstown in Queenstown International?
During takeoff from Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Queenstown on runway 23 (the more commonly used direction), the climb-out tracks southwest down the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu, putting the jagged, snow-streaked Remarkables range right outside the left windows. It's one of the most dramatic takeoffs in commercial aviation, with the lake's turquoise water and the town itself dropping away below. Notable sights include: The Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak, Frankton Arm.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Melbourne, arrivals from the southeast typically line up for runway 34, crossing Port Phillip Bay from the south. This puts the Melbourne CBD skyline, Docklands towers, and the bay's coastline visible ahead and to the right as the aircraft turns onto final. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Docklands towers, Yarra River mouth.
How long is the flight from Queenstown International to Melbourne?
The flight from Queenstown (ZQN) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes 2h35m.
What does the Queenstown International to Melbourne flight path pass over?
After leaving the Otago mountains behind, the route crosses roughly two hours of open Tasman Sea with no land visible, before the Victorian coastline near Wilsons Promontory or Phillip Island comes into view as the aircraft descends toward Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne.