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AKL → ZQN
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Queenstown International Airport (Queenstown International)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a direct view of the most iconic peaks in New Zealand, including the solitary cone of Mount Taranaki and the towering Aoraki/Mount Cook, alongside the dramatic Southern Alps spine.
Search flights from AKL to ZQN
Mount Taranaki
The nearly perfect volcanic cone rising from the Taranaki bight.
Abel Tasman Coast
Golden sand beaches and lush forests of the northern South Island.
Southern Alps Spine
A continuous view of the snow-capped mountain range that forms the island's backbone.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Unrivaled views of New Zealand's highest peak and its surrounding glaciers.
Lake Wanaka
Deep blue waters of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea nestled in the mountains.
Glacial Valley Approach
Thrilling low-altitude navigation through narrow mountain passes into Queenstown.
Sit behind the wing for the best unobstructed views of the Southern Alps. This side is superior for photography of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Flights in the late afternoon provide stunning 'golden hour' light on the western mountain faces. Be prepared for a sharp right bank during the approach into ZQN for a close-up view of the rugged terrain.
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Volcanic Plateau
Views of Mount Ruapehu and the active volcanic zone in the central North Island.
Cook Strait
The narrow passage of water separating the North and South Islands.
Marlborough Sounds
Complex network of ancient sunken river valleys filled with turquoise water.
Glacial Lakes
Striking milky-blue waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki as you head south.
The Remarkables
Jagged mountain range flanking Queenstown during the final descent.
Morning flights are ideal for the left side to avoid glare and see the sun illuminating the Southern Alps to the west. Keep an eye out for the distinctive turquoise hue of the alpine lakes, which is caused by fine-grained rock flour from glaciers. During the descent, the left side often looks directly down into the Kawarau Gorge.
Get eSIMs for New Zealand
Get eSIMs for New ZealandDistance: 1,025 km (637 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: ZQN (-45.0210990906, 168.738998413)
Route Type: Domestic
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