Loading map...
AKL → SYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer similar views of the Tasman Sea, the Right Side is generally superior for its iconic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the CBD skyline during the standard approach into SYD.
Search flights from AKL to SYD
Auckland City Skyline
Views of the Sky Tower and Waitemata Harbour if the aircraft takes a northern departure route.
Rangitoto Island
The iconic volcanic cone of Auckland's Hauraki Gulf visible during initial climb.
Bondi Beach
The famous crescent of white sand is often visible as the plane banks over the ocean for approach.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The world-famous 'Coathanger' bridge visible during the classic northern arrival pattern.
Sydney Opera House
A bird's eye view of the white sails in the harbour just before touchdown.
Sydney CBD
Densely packed skyscrapers and the Sydney Tower Eye as the plane aligns with the runway.
The Right Side is the 'money side' for Sydney arrivals. Request a window seat here for a high chance of seeing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Note that for morning flights, you may face some glare, so polarized sunglasses are recommended for photography.
Book Hotels in Sydney
Manukau Harbour
Aerial view of the intricate tidal channels and mudflats immediately after takeoff from AKL.
Manukau Heads
The dramatic entrance to the harbour with the shifting sandbars of the Whatipu beach area.
Tasman Sea Horizon
Endless blue vistas and unique cloud formations as you cross the ditch between NZ and AU.
Royal National Park
Lush green forests and rugged coastal cliffs as you cross the Australian coastline south of Sydney.
Botany Bay
Views of the container terminals and the historic Kurnell Peninsula during final descent.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is excellent for seeing the southern coastal approach into Sydney, providing a great view of the Royal National Park and Cronulla beaches if landing toward the north.
Get eSIMs for New Zealand
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 2,160 km (1,342 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 53 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.