NPE → CHC

Ruahine & Tararua Ranges

The continuous mountain spine of the lower North Island, often capped with snow in winter.

Cook Strait

The narrow gap between the North and South Islands, showing the ferry routes and turbulent waters.

Inland Kaikōura Range

Massive, jagged alpine peaks including Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku, rising high above the flight path.

Braided Rivers

The silver, shifting channels of the Waimakariri and Clarence Rivers across the plains.

Canterbury Plains

A vast geometric patchwork of green and gold farmland extending toward the Southern Alps.

Cape Kidnappers

Dramatic sandstone cliffs and the iconic gannet colony visible shortly after takeoff from Napier.

Wairarapa Coastline

The wild, uninhabited eastern edge of the North Island with rugged rocky outcrops.

Kaikōura Peninsula

A unique geological headland where deep ocean trenches bring marine life close to the shore.

Pegasus Bay

The long, sweeping sandy arc of the Canterbury coastline as the plane prepares for landing.