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ICN destination photo
AKL destination photo

ICNAKL

Our Recommendation
8.4

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is the premium choice for this overnight journey, offering a breathtaking sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and a more scenic approach into Auckland featuring the Hauraki Gulf islands.

Left Side Highlights
8.4
🏙️

Incheon Departure

Aerial views of the Incheon Grand Bridge and the industrial landscape of the Gyeonggi coast during takeoff.

🌅

Pacific Sunrise

Since most flights are overnight, the left side provides a front-row seat to the sunrise over the horizon mid-flight.

🏝️

Vanuatu Archipelago

Potential sightings of remote volcanic islands and coral atolls as the flight path crosses the Melanesian region.

🌊

Hauraki Gulf

Stunning views of Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Volcano, and the emerald waters of the gulf during the descent.

⛵

Auckland Marinas

A clear view of the 'City of Sails' and its numerous harbors as the plane aligns with the runway.

Opt for a window seat well ahead of or behind the wing for unobstructed views. As these flights typically depart ICN in the evening, the first half is dark, so focus your energy on the final 3 hours. The sunrise occurs on this side roughly 2-3 hours before landing, depending on the season. During the approach to AKL, the left side usually offers the iconic view of the city skyline and Sky Tower if landing from the north.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🗾

Ryukyu Islands

Distant views of the Japanese island chain, including Okinawa, visible shortly after departing Korean airspace.

⛰️

Papua New Guinea

If the flight path trends west, passengers can see the high, jagged peaks of the Owen Stanley Range.

🛳️

Coral Sea Crossing

Deep blue ocean vistas where the Pacific meets the northern Australian maritime borders.

🏖️

Ninety Mile Beach

The first landfall in New Zealand often reveals the long, sweeping sandy coastlines of the Far North.

🌋

Manukau Harbour

Views of the rugged west coast and the vast tidal flats of Manukau if the approach is from the south.

The right side is ideal for those who prefer to avoid the direct glare of the morning sun during breakfast service. It offers a unique perspective of the rugged New Zealand west coast and the Tasman Sea during the final approach. Keep an eye out for the distinctive black sand beaches near Piha if the flight path circles to the south of Auckland.

Top Activities in Auckland
Route Information

Distance: 9,656 km (6,000 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 22 min

Departure: ICN (37.46910095214844, 126.45099639892578)

Arrival: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)

Route Type: International

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