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AKL → GIS
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Gisborne Airport (Gisborne)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning coastal journey featuring the Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty coastline, and a scenic entry into Poverty Bay.
Search flights from AKL to GIS
Firth of Thames
Vast shallow wetlands and coastal flats visible immediately after clearing the Hunua Ranges.
Coromandel Peninsula
Rugged, bush-clad mountain ranges and white sand beaches stretching toward the north.
Mt Maunganui
The iconic volcanic cone 'Mauao' marking the entrance to the Tauranga Harbour.
White Island (Whakaari)
On clear days, the steam plume of New Zealand's most active marine volcano is visible on the horizon.
Poverty Bay
A sweeping aerial view of the coastline where Captain Cook first landed, leading into the Gisborne touchdown.
Book an early morning flight to see the sun rising over the Pacific Ocean. Ensure a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze when photographing the Coromandel coastline. The descent into GIS often follows the shoreline, providing excellent low-altitude beach views.
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Waikato Farmlands
Deep green, rolling dairy pastures typical of the 'Middle Earth' landscapes.
Kaimai Ranges
The steep mountain divide separating the Waikato plains from the coastal Bay of Plenty.
Rotorua Lakes
Glimpses of the volcanic lakes district, including the distinctive circular Lake Rotorua.
Te Urewera
Aerial views of the largest area of native forest in the North Island, incredibly dense and remote.
Raukumara Range
The rugged, jagged peaks forming the high spine of the East Cape region.
This side is best for those interested in New Zealand's interior wilderness. On afternoon flights, the sun will be behind you, lighting up the deep greens of the Te Urewera forest perfectly. Look out for the massive scale of the Raukumara Range just before the final descent begins.
Book Hotels in GisborneDistance: 335 km (208 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 34 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: GIS (-38.66329956054688, 177.97799682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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