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CHC → NSN
Which side of the plane to sit from Christchurch International Airport (Christchurch) to Nelson Airport (Nelson)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Southern Alps and the rugged spine of the South Island, providing spectacular mountain scenery throughout the flight.
Search flights from CHC to NSN
Southern Alps
Continuous views of the snow-capped Main Divide stretching towards the north.
Lewis Pass Wilderness
The rugged terrain of the Victoria Forest Park featuring deep valleys and alpine ridges.
Kahurangi National Park
Dense native beech forests and marble karst landscapes as you approach the Tasman region.
Tasman Bay
Clear turquoise waters and the golden sands of the coastline during the final descent into Nelson.
Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the Southern Alps. Try to sit well clear of the wing—usually the front or very back of the Dash 8-300 or Q400 aircraft—to capture unobstructed photos of the mountain peaks.
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Canterbury Plains
The intricate patchwork of agricultural land and braided river systems immediately after takeoff.
Kaikoura Ranges
Views of the Seaward Kaikoura Range where the mountains dramatically meet the Pacific Ocean.
Marlborough Sounds
The stunning network of sea-drowned valleys, including Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds.
The Boulder Bank
Nelson's unique 13km natural rock spit that forms the harbor, visible on final approach.
The right side is exceptional for coastal geography. If the flight path takes you slightly further east, you will get a superior view of the Marlborough Sounds' intricate coastline. This side is also better for seeing Nelson city during the landing pattern.
Book Hotels in NelsonDistance: 250 km (155 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: CHC (-43.48939895629883, 172.53199768066406)
Arrival: NSN (-41.298301696777344, 173.2209930419922)
Route Type: Domestic
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