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CHC → OOL
Which side of the plane to sit from Christchurch International Airport (Christchurch) to Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the New Zealand coastline upon departure and a spectacular front-row seat to the iconic Gold Coast skyline and beaches during the final approach into Coolangatta.
Marlborough Sounds
Stunning aerial views of the intricate network of sea-drowned valleys at the northern tip of the South Island.
Mount Taranaki
On clear days, the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone of the North Island is often visible across the Cook Strait.
Surfers Paradise Skyline
An unbeatable view of the Q1 skyscraper and the dense cluster of high-rises as the plane banks toward the airport.
The Golden Mile
A continuous stretch of white sand beaches including Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads just minutes before landing.
Tweed River
The winding turquoise waters of the Tweed River marking the border between New South Wales and Queensland.
This is the 'scenic side' for the Gold Coast arrival. Request a seat here to see the famous coastline. Most flights land from the north (Runway 14), meaning the right side looks directly at the beaches and the skyline. Keep your camera ready as soon as you descend below 10,000 feet near the Australian coast.
Southern Alps
Deep views looking south toward the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains shortly after takeoff.
West Coast Transition
The rugged transition where the New Zealand Southern Alps meet the Tasman Sea near the Haast and Westland regions.
North Stradbroke Island
Depending on the approach path, you may see the expansive sand dunes and blue waters of the Moreton Bay islands.
Choose this side if you are flying during the late afternoon to avoid the direct glare of the sun reflecting off the Tasman Sea. It is also the better side for viewing the deep Southern Alps if the pilot takes a more southerly departure route toward the coast.
Distance: 2,407 km (1,496 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 13 min
Departure: CHC (-43.48939895629883, 172.53199768066406)
Arrival: OOL (-28.1644001007, 153.505004883)
Route Type: International
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