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MVT → RGI
Which side of the plane to sit from Mataiva Airport (Mataiva) to Rangiroa Airport (Rangiroa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most direct view of Rangiroa's famous northern passes and the vibrant turquoise hues of the lagoon's inner rim during the final approach.
Search flights from MVT to RGI
Mataiva's Outer Reef
The dramatic white surf breaking against the coral perimeter of Mataiva immediately after takeoff.
Tikehau Atoll
Aerial view of Tikehau appearing to the north, known for its pink sand beaches and circular lagoon.
Avatoru Pass
A spectacular view of the wide channel where the deep blue Pacific surges into Rangiroa's calm lagoon.
Avatoru Village
The main administrative center of the atoll, visible as a thin strip of civilization between the sea and sky.
The Infinite Lagoon
Rangiroa's lagoon is so vast that its far side is often invisible, creating an 'inner ocean' effect.
Sit on the left for the iconic approach into Rangiroa. This side provides the best angle for photographing the passes and the village. For the best color saturation in the water, choose a mid-morning flight when the sun is high enough to illuminate the coral gardens below.
Get eSIMs for French Polynesia
Get eSIMs for French Polynesia
Mataiva's Honeycomb Lagoon
A unique view of Mataiva's reticulated lagoon, which is divided into distinct basins by natural coral walls.
Tiputa Pass
Depending on the approach, you can see the famous Tiputa Pass, a hotspot for divers and wild dolphins.
Southern Motus
The remote and largely uninhabited southern islets of Rangiroa stretching toward the horizon.
Oceanic Drop-off
The sudden transition from the shallow turquoise reef to the 1,000-meter deep 'Wall of Sharks' just outside the atoll.
The right side is superior during departure from Mataiva to see the unique 'net' structure of its lagoon, which is unlike any other atoll in the world. As these flights are very short and usually low-altitude, keep your camera ready from the moment the engines spool up.
Book Hotels in RangiroaDistance: 114 km (71 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 min
Departure: MVT (-14.8681001663208, -148.7169952392578)
Arrival: RGI (-14.954299926757812, -147.66099548339844)
Route Type: Domestic
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