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PMR → NSN
Which side of the plane to sit from Palmerston North Airport (Palmerston North) to Nelson Airport (Nelson)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic views of the Marlborough Sounds' intricate coastline and the remote beauty of D'Urville Island as the aircraft descends into Nelson.
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Kapiti Island
A prominent bird sanctuary island located off the coast of the North Island shortly after takeoff.
French Pass
The narrow, dangerous channel between D'Urville Island and the mainland with visible tidal currents.
Pelorus Sound
Incredible views of the winding, finger-like inlets that make up this massive drowned river valley.
D'Urville Island
A large, sparsely populated island known for its rugged coastline and wild landscapes.
Tasman Bay
The wide, shimmering blue bay that leads directly into Nelson Airport for the final landing.
The right side is the clear winner for coastal scenery. Watch for the 'swirls' in the water at French Pass if the tide is running. For the best photography, choose a mid-morning or early afternoon flight to ensure the sun is high enough to illuminate the turquoise waters of the Marlborough Sounds without creating excessive glare off the Tasman Bay.
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Tararua Range
View the rugged, bush-clad peaks stretching south from Palmerston North toward Wellington.
Wellington Skyline
Catch a distant glimpse of the capital city and its deep-water harbor as you cross the coastline.
Cook Strait
The turbulent stretch of water separating the North and South Islands, often dotted with ferries.
Queen Charlotte Sound
The easternmost of the major Marlborough Sounds, featuring deep blue waters and forested ridges.
Richmond Range
High alpine ridges that form the backdrop to the Nelson region on the final approach.
Sit on the left if you prefer mountainous terrain and want a chance to see the Wellington CBD from a distance. Early morning flights are best to see the sun rising over the Tararua ranges. During winter, the Richmond Range peaks are often capped with snow, providing a stunning contrast to the green valleys below.
Get eSIMs for New Zealand
Get eSIMs for New ZealandDistance: 229 km (142 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 23 min
Departure: PMR (-40.32059860229492, 175.61700439453125)
Arrival: NSN (-41.298301696777344, 173.2209930419922)
Route Type: Domestic
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