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AKL → WRE
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Whangarei Airport (Whangarei)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for the Hauraki Gulf islands and the dramatic coastline of the Whangarei Heads.
Rangitoto Island
The youngest and most iconic volcanic cone in the Hauraki Gulf, perfectly symmetrical from the air.
Tiritiri Matangi
A world-renowned wildlife sanctuary island located just off the Hibiscus Coast.
Whangarei Heads
Breathtaking jagged peaks like Mount Manaia that guard the entrance to the Whangarei Harbour.
The right side is ideal for coastal lovers. As the plane approaches Whangarei, the descent path often passes directly over or adjacent to the stunning Whangarei Heads. Morning flights offer the best lighting as the sun illuminates the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland CBD
A clear view of the Sky Tower and the urban sprawl of New Zealand's largest city during the initial climb.
Waitākere Ranges
The lush green expanse of the subtropical rainforest forming a natural border to the west of Auckland.
Kaipara Harbour
One of the world's largest enclosed harbors with intricate tidal patterns and sandbanks visible from above.
Sit on the left for views of the rugged western coastline. In the late afternoon, the sun will be behind you, providing excellent lighting for photos of the Waitākere Ranges and the Kaipara. Since the flight is short and low-altitude, details of the rural landscape are very sharp.
Distance: 143 km (89 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: WRE (-35.7682991027832, 174.36500549316406)
Route Type: Domestic
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