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SYD → AKL
Which side of the plane to sit from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney) to Auckland International Airport (Auckland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for capturing the iconic Sydney Harbour and Opera House during departure, as well as the beautiful West Coast beaches of New Zealand and the Auckland skyline on arrival.
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Sydney Harbour & CBD
On a northerly departure, witness the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the plane banks east.
Bondi & Eastern Suburbs
Aerial views of the famous crescent of Bondi Beach and the rugged sandstone cliffs of the NSW coast.
Tasman Sea Crossing
Expansive views of the deep blue Tasman Sea, often featuring dramatic cloud formations.
Waitakere Ranges
As you descend into Auckland, see the lush, dark-green rainforests of the Waitakere Ranges.
Auckland City & Sky Tower
Depending on the wind, the approach often provides a clear view of the 'City of Sails' and its iconic tower.
Book a window seat on the left (A) for the best chance of seeing the Sydney CBD. If the flight arrives in Auckland via the north, you will see the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island. Evening flights offer spectacular sunset colors over the Tasman Sea.
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Botany Bay
View the historical site of Captain Cook's landing and the industrial port of Sydney.
Royal National Park
The world's second-oldest national park, showing beautiful coastal heathlands and cliffs.
Mount Taranaki
On clear days, the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone of Taranaki can be seen far to the south.
Waikato River Delta
Watch New Zealand's longest river meet the Tasman Sea near the Port Waikato heads.
Manukau Harbour
The large, shallow harbor adjacent to Auckland Airport with its intricate sandbanks and channels.
The right side (K) is best if the flight path tracks further south, offering a distant glimpse of the Southern Alps or Mt Taranaki. On arrival, the right side gives an excellent view of the Manukau Harbour's unique tidal patterns.
Book Hotels in AucklandDistance: 2,160 km (1,342 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 53 min
Departure: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Arrival: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Route Type: International
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