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AKL → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior visual journey starting with Auckland's volcanic islands, traversing the tropical Solomon Islands, and providing a front-row seat to the towering mountain ranges of eastern Taiwan before landing in Pudong.
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Rangitoto Island
A perfect bird's-eye view of Auckland's youngest and most iconic volcanic cone.
Solomon Archipelago
Breathtaking turquoise lagoons and coral atolls scattered across the South Pacific.
Taiwan Central Range
Stunning views of Taiwan's 3,000-meter peaks if the flight path follows the eastern coast.
Pudong Wind Farms
Hundreds of offshore wind turbines standing in the East China Sea near the PVG runways.
Pudong Coastline
The dramatic transformation from rural wetlands to the ultra-modern skyline of Shanghai.
On the common overnight service, the right side is essential for witnessing a spectacular sunrise over the Pacific. During the descent into PVG, the right side often provides a clearer view of the coastal wind farms and the massive Waigaoqiao Port, one of the world's busiest. Seasonal tip: clear winter air provides the best visibility for the Taiwan mountain ranges.
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Waitakere Ranges
Aerial views of Auckland's rugged western coastline and the Tasman Sea's surf.
New Guinea Highlands
The massive, mist-shrouded mountain ridges of Papua New Guinea rising from the ocean.
Luzon Coastline
Distant views of the northern Philippine islands and their volcanic peaks.
Yangtze River Delta
The fascinating color contrast where the silt-heavy Yangtze meets the East China Sea.
Pudong Industrial Belt
The sprawling logistics hubs and massive infrastructure of eastern Shanghai.
Choose the left side for spectacular sunsets during evening departures. As you approach Shanghai, watch for the 'line of demarcation' in the water where the Yangtze River's brown sediment creates a sharp boundary against the blue ocean. This side is typically better for avoiding direct glare during afternoon arrivals.
Get eSIMs for New Zealand
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 9,369 km (5,822 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 1 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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