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TBU → AKL
Which side of the plane to sit from Fua'amotu International Airport (Tongatapu) to Auckland International Airport (Auckland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf, including the volcanic Rangitoto Island and the Auckland city skyline during the final descent.
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Tongatapu Reefs
Vibrant coral reefs and turquoise lagoons surrounding the main island of Tonga immediately after takeoff.
Hauraki Gulf
A stunning maritime park filled with emerald islands as you enter New Zealand airspace.
Waiheke Island
Bird's-eye view of the world-renowned vineyard island and its white sand beaches.
Rangitoto Island
The youngest and most iconic volcanic cone in the Auckland volcanic field, visible just before landing.
Auckland CBD
The Sky Tower and the downtown waterfront area usually visible during the southern approach.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. On approach, keep your camera ready once the plane descends below 10,000 feet, as the Hauraki Gulf islands appear in quick succession. Ask for a seat well ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Auckland skyline.
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Fua'amotu Coastline
The rugged southern cliffs of Tongatapu as the plane turns south toward New Zealand.
Northland Coast
The dramatic, winding coastline of the upper North Island as you cross the New Zealand border.
Whangarei Harbour
Views of the industrial and natural beauty of Northland's largest city and its deep-water port.
Waitakere Ranges
Lush native rainforest and the wild black-sand beaches of the west coast if the flight path tracks west.
Manukau Harbour
The massive, shallow tidal estuary that surrounds Auckland Airport's southern side.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or evening flights, offering spectacular sunsets over the Tasman Sea. If the flight approaches from the west, you will get a great view of the rugged Piha and Muriwai coastlines. This side also offers a better view of the aircraft's shadow on the water during touchdown at AKL.
Book Hotels in AucklandDistance: 2,004 km (1,245 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 40 min
Departure: TBU (-21.241199493408203, -175.14999389648438)
Arrival: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Route Type: International
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