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AKL → WAG
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Wanganui Airport (Wanganui)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides spectacular, direct views of the North Island's volcanic heart, including the massive peaks of Tongariro National Park and the expansive Waikato region.
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Mount Ruapehu
The North Island's highest peak and an active stratovolcano, often snow-capped year-round.
Mount Ngauruhoe
The iconic perfectly conical volcano, famously known as Mount Doom in cinematic history.
Lake Taupo
New Zealand's largest lake, formed within a massive caldera, clearly visible to the east.
Waikato River
Trace the winding path of the nation's longest river as it snakes through lush green farmland.
Whanganui River
As you descend, catch glimpses of the deep, forested gorges carved by this historic and sacred waterway.
Sit on the left for a direct line of sight to the Central Plateau volcanoes. Book a morning flight for the highest probability of clear skies over the mountains, as orographic clouds tend to build up by mid-afternoon. In winter, the heavy snow cover on the peaks makes for world-class aerial photography.
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Manukau Harbour
Immediately after takeoff from AKL, view the intricate sandbars and channels of Auckland's southern harbour.
Mount Taranaki
On clear days, the distant but perfectly symmetrical cone of Taranaki rises majestically on the western horizon.
Raglan Coastline
Look down for the rugged black sand beaches and famous surf breaks along the Waikato west coast.
Waitomo Karst
Spot the unique, rolling limestone hill formations of the King Country region below.
The right side is the preferred choice for late afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the Tasman Sea. While Mount Taranaki is further away than the volcanoes on the left, its isolated prominence on the horizon is a highlight for those with a keen eye and a window seat.
Book Hotels in WanganuiDistance: 329 km (204 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 33 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: WAG (-39.96220016479492, 175.02499389648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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