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AKL → NRT
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Narita International Airport (Tokyo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior land-based scenery including the New Zealand coastline, the rugged mountains of Papua New Guinea, and the potential for an iconic view of Mount Fuji upon arrival in Japan.
Northland Coast
Stunning aerial views of the Bay of Islands and the northern tip of New Zealand shortly after departure.
Coral Sea Reefs
Vibrant turquoise patterns and coral formations as you transit the waters between Australia and the Pacific Islands.
PNG Highlands
Dramatic views of the dense rainforests and high peaks of the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.
Mount Fuji
On clear days, the iconic snow-capped peak is visible to the west during the final approach into the Tokyo area.
Boso Peninsula
Detailed views of the Chiba coastline and the agricultural landscape of Japan during the descent.
Book a seat in front of or well behind the wing for unobstructed views of the PNG highlands. On morning flights from AKL, the sun will be on the right side, giving the left side better lighting for photography. Keep an eye out for Mt. Fuji approximately 30-40 minutes before landing.
Vanuatu & New Caledonia
Depending on the specific flight path, you may see the volcanic ridges of the Melanesian islands.
Pacific Sunrise
For night departures, the right side offers a spectacular sunrise over the open ocean midway through the flight.
Mariana Trench
While the depth is invisible, the deep blue waters mark your passage over the deepest part of the world's oceans.
Izu Islands
A chain of volcanic islands stretching south from Tokyo, providing a scenic entry point to Japanese airspace.
Choose the right side if you prefer to see the sunrise during the long trans-Pacific haul. During the approach to Narita, you will likely see the extensive shipping lanes and industrial ports of Tokyo Bay and the Kashima Coast.
Distance: 8,836 km (5,490 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 24 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Route Type: International
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