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RAR → SYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Rarotonga International Airport (Avarua) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the preferred choice for this route primarily due to the approach into Sydney, which often provides the iconic 'postcard' view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House when landing from the north.
Search flights from RAR to SYD
Rarotonga Peaks
Final views of Te Manga and the lush volcanic interior of the Cook Islands upon departure.
Tongan Trench
Fly over the deep blues of one of the world's most significant oceanic trenches.
Sydney Harbour
Breathtaking aerial views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House on typical northern approaches.
Sydney CBD
A close-up view of the city's dense skyline and skyscrapers just before touchdown.
Book a window seat on the left for the best chance of seeing the Sydney icons. Since most flights from RAR to SYD are daytime flights moving westward, the sun will be positioned to the south (left side); keep your window shade adjusted for glare until the descent begins.
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Muri Lagoon
Vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs of Rarotonga visible immediately after takeoff.
Norfolk Island
Possible sighting of this isolated volcanic outcrop in the middle of the Tasman Sea.
Northern Beaches
Sweeping views of the coastline from Palm Beach down to Manly as you reach the Australian mainland.
Botany Bay
A view of the historic bay and the Kurnell peninsula if the plane loops south for landing.
The right side is excellent for viewing the Rarotonga coastline during departure. It also stays cooler during the flight as it faces away from the direct sun. If the flight approaches Sydney from the south, this side may offer better views of the Royal National Park.
Book Hotels in SydneyDistance: 4,985 km (3,098 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 52 min
Departure: RAR (-21.2026996613, -159.805999756)
Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Route Type: International
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