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AKL → RAR
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Rarotonga International Airport (Avarua)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior visual experience, starting with the iconic Auckland city skyline and volcanic cones, followed by the rugged Coromandel Peninsula, and concluding with a breathtaking view of Rarotonga's lush mountains and turquoise lagoons upon arrival.
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Auckland City & Sky Tower
Unmatched views of the 'City of Sails' and its iconic needle-like tower shortly after takeoff.
Rangitoto Island
A perfect aerial perspective of Auckland's youngest and most iconic dormant volcanic cone.
Coromandel Peninsula
White sand beaches and jagged forested ridgelines as you leave the New Zealand coast behind.
Rarotonga Barrier Reef
The striking contrast between the deep indigo ocean and the electric turquoise of the encircling lagoon.
Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
The dramatic basalt rock pinnacle rising from the dense green interior of the island during final descent.
Choose the right side for the most dramatic entry into the Cook Islands. As the plane descends into Rarotonga, you'll typically fly past the northern coast, providing an intimate view of the island's volcanic peaks. For daytime flights, the sun will be behind you or overhead, making it ideal for photography of the coral reefs.
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Waitakere Ranges
Dense native rainforest and rugged hills marking the western boundary of Auckland's urban sprawl.
Tasman Sea Interface
The dramatic meeting point of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean at the tip of the North Island.
Great Barrier Island
A distant glimpse of the remote, forested island guarding the outer Hauraki Gulf.
Kermadec Trench Area
Vast, deep blue oceanic views over one of the world's deepest marine trenches during the mid-flight segment.
The left side is preferable if you want to avoid direct afternoon sun on flights departing Auckland late in the day. It provides a good view of the West Coast beaches if the flight takes a western departure path. Watch for the 'shadow' of the Kermadec Islands roughly halfway through the flight.
Get eSIMs for New Zealand
Get eSIMs for Cook IslandsDistance: 3,013 km (1,872 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 33 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: RAR (-21.2026996613, -159.805999756)
Route Type: International
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