Loading map...
PPT → NOU
Which side of the plane to sit from Faa'a International Airport (Papeete) to La Tontouta International Airport (Noumea)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the iconic Society Islands, including the world-famous Bora Bora, shortly after departure, followed by the remote archipelagos of Tonga and the Loyalty Islands.
Search flights from PPT to NOU
Bora Bora & Society Islands
Unparalleled aerial views of Taha'a, Raiatea, and the famous turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora roughly 40 minutes after takeoff.
Vava'u Archipelago
The intricate network of islands and hidden coves of northern Tonga during the mid-flight crossing.
Loyalty Islands
Stunning white sand beaches of Maré and Lifou visible shortly before reaching the New Caledonian mainland.
Great Barrier Reef
The massive New Caledonia Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, stretching across the horizon on approach.
Tontouta Valley
The lush, hilly landscape surrounding the airport located inland from the coast near Noumea.
The right side is essential for seeing Bora Bora; watch for it roughly 35-45 minutes after departure. On approach to NOU, the right side usually provides better views of the expansive coral reef system and the Loyalty Islands, though be aware of potential glare from the sun depending on the time of day.
Book Hotels in NoumeaMoorea Island
Dramatic views of the jagged green volcanic peaks and Cook's Bay immediately after taking off from PPT.
South Pacific Vastness
Deep cobalt waters and interesting meteorological cloud formations over the open ocean during the cruise phase.
Lau Group Atolls
Remote Fijian coral structures appearing as vibrant turquoise circles in the deep blue sea.
New Caledonia South
The distinct red soil and rugged terrain of the southern tip of Grande Terre visible during the descent.
Sit on the left for the best lighting conditions for photography, as the sun will typically be on the opposite side during the day. This side provides the most direct view of Moorea's iconic silhouette within the first 5 minutes of flight.
Get eSIMs for French Polynesia
Get eSIMs for New CaledoniaDistance: 4,634 km (2,879 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 27 min
Departure: PPT (-17.553698999999998, -149.60699499999998)
Arrival: NOU (-22.01460075378418, 166.21299743652344)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.