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AKL → NSN
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Nelson Airport (Nelson)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the clear winner for its stunning, close-up view of the perfectly conical Mount Taranaki and the breathtaking approach over the golden sands of the Tasman Bay area.
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West Coast Beaches
Rugged black-sand coastlines stretching from Port Waikato down towards the Taranaki region.
Mount Taranaki
The absolute highlight of the trip; a stunningly symmetrical volcanic cone rising out of the Taranaki plains.
Farewell Spit
The distinctive curved sand spit at the northernmost tip of the South Island visible across the Golden Bay.
Abel Tasman Coastline
Sparkling turquoise waters and the famous golden sand beaches of New Zealand's smallest national park.
Nelson City
A panoramic view of the city nestled between the mountains and the sea during the landing sequence.
Book a window seat on the right for afternoon flights to capture the sun illuminating Mount Taranaki. The approach into Nelson often banks over the bay, providing a spectacular wide-angle view of the Abel Tasman area if the flight path is standard.
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Manukau Harbour
Aerial views of the massive tidal estuary and the intricate patterns of sandbanks immediately after takeoff from AKL.
Waikato Farmlands
Lush green agricultural landscapes and the winding path of the Waikato River heading south.
Central Plateau
Distant views of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe on clear days.
Marlborough Sounds
The complex network of drowned river valleys and hidden bays as the plane crosses the Cook Strait.
Nelson Boulder Bank
The unique 13km long natural spit of rocks that protects Nelson's harbor during the final approach.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side offers better views of the inland volcanoes and the deep interior of the Marlborough Sounds as you enter the South Island.
Get eSIMs for New Zealand
Get eSIMs for New ZealandDistance: 496 km (308 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 50 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: NSN (-41.298301696777344, 173.2209930419922)
Route Type: Domestic
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