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KKE destination photo
AKL destination photo

KKEAKL

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the stunning eastern coastline of Northland, the Bay of Islands immediately after takeoff, and the iconic Auckland skyline during the final approach into the Hauraki Gulf.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏝️

Bay of Islands

Breathtaking aerial views of the 144 islands and turquoise waters immediately after departing Kerikeri.

⛰️

Whangarei Heads

Dramatic volcanic peaks and the sprawling Bream Bay coastline as the flight heads south.

🌊

Hauraki Gulf Islands

Views of Little Barrier and Great Barrier Islands in the distance, followed by Rangitoto's volcanic cone.

🏙️

Auckland CBD

A spectacular perspective of the Sky Tower, Waitematā Harbour, and the Harbour Bridge on descent.

⛵

Waiheke Island

Clear views of the vineyards and white sand beaches of the Hauraki Gulf's most famous island.

For the best experience, book a morning flight to see the sun illuminating the Pacific coastline. Seats forward of the wing are best on the Dash 8 aircraft typically used for this route to ensure an unobstructed view of the Bay of Islands right after rotation.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌳

Northland Hinterland

Rolling green hills and dense pockets of native podocarp forest characteristic of the 'Winterless North'.

💧

Kaipara Harbour

The massive, intricate patterns of one of the world's largest enclosed harbors and its many twisting channels.

⛰️

Waitakere Ranges

Rugged, bush-clad hills that form a natural barrier between Auckland and the Tasman Sea.

🚢

Manukau Harbour

Views of the shifting sandbars and the Manukau Heads as the aircraft turns toward the runway.

The right side is perfect for afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset over the Tasman Sea. It provides a more rural perspective of New Zealand's landscape and is particularly interesting for those wanting to see the sheer scale of the Kaipara Harbour's tidal estuaries.

Top Activities in Auckland
Route Information

Distance: 210 km (130 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 21 min

Departure: KKE (-35.26279830932617, 173.91200256347656)

Arrival: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)

Route Type: Domestic

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