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CHC → HLZ
Which side of the plane to sit from Christchurch International Airport (Christchurch) to Hamilton International Airport (Hamilton)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a breathtaking perspective of the Southern Alps during ascent and a direct line of sight to the iconic volcanic cone of Mt. Taranaki as you approach the North Island.
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Southern Alps & Kaikoura Ranges
Spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks running parallel to the flight path shortly after takeoff.
Cook Strait Crossing
The dramatic transition between the South and North Islands with views of the rugged Marlborough Sounds coastline.
Mt. Taranaki
On clear days, the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone is visible protruding through the clouds to the west.
Raglan and Kawhia Harbours
Unique aerial views of the intricate, winding limestone coastlines and black sand beaches of the Tasman Sea.
Waikato Basin
The lush green pastoral landscapes and dairy farms as the plane descends into Hamilton.
Sit behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of Mt. Taranaki, which appears about mid-flight. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the mountains from the east, avoiding glare on your window. In winter, the Southern Alps are particularly stunning when fully covered in snow.
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Get eSIMs for New ZealandPegasus Bay
The long, sweeping curve of the Canterbury coastline immediately after departing Christchurch.
Kaikoura Coastline
Watch for the deep blue waters where the continental shelf drops off, famous for whale and dolphin sightings.
Wellington City
A distant view of New Zealand's capital city and its harbor during the Cook Strait crossing.
Central Plateau Volcanoes
Distant views of Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Ngauruhoe, and Mt. Tongariro located in the heart of the North Island.
Waikato River
The longest river in New Zealand meandering through the countryside as you approach the airport.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as the sun moves west, providing better lighting for the Kaikoura coastline without direct window glare. Keep an eye out for the turquoise glacial waters of the Clarence River mouth as you head north. It is generally the 'quieter' side for scenery compared to the mountain-heavy left side.
Book Hotels in HamiltonDistance: 668 km (415 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min
Departure: CHC (-43.48939895629883, 172.53199768066406)
Arrival: HLZ (-37.8666992188, 175.332000732)
Route Type: Domestic
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