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TIU destination photo
WLG destination photo

TIUWLG

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a consistent and dramatic panorama of the South Island's mountainous interior, including the Southern Alps and the Seaward Kaikōura Range, offering better geological variety than the ocean-facing right side.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Southern Alps

Distanced but impressive views of the snow-capped spine of the South Island shortly after departure.

🌾

Canterbury Plains

A vast patchwork of agricultural fields showing the classic New Zealand rural landscape.

🏔️

Seaward Kaikōura Range

Stunning limestone and greywacke peaks that rise abruptly from the coast to over 2,500 meters.

🏞️

Clarence River

The winding path of one of New Zealand's longest rivers as it carves through the rugged inland terrain.

⛰️

Rimutaka Range

The forested ridges of the lower North Island appearing as the flight crosses the Cook Strait.

Choose an 'A' seat for the best mountain views. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the mountains from the east, highlighting the textures of the Southern Alps. Look for Aoraki/Mount Cook in the distance about 15 minutes after takeoff if the weather is clear.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Canterbury Bight

The long, sweeping shingle beach coastline stretching north from Timaru.

🌋

Banks Peninsula

The distinctive volcanic landform featuring Akaroa and Lyttelton harbours visible out to the east.

🏖️

Pegasus Bay

The massive sandy arc of the coastline north of Christchurch.

⛴️

Cook Strait

The iconic and often turbulent stretch of water connecting the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean.

🏢

Wellington City

A spectacular bird's-eye view of the CBD, Te Papa, and the hilly suburbs during the final descent into WLG.

An 'F' seat is best for coastal features. This side is particularly good for sunset flights as the light reflects off the Pacific Ocean. If the plane lands from the south (Runway 34), you will get an incredible view of Wellington Harbour and the city center just before touchdown.

Top Activities in Wellington
Route Information

Distance: 441 km (274 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 44 min

Departure: TIU (-44.30279922485352, 171.22500610351562)

Arrival: WLG (-41.3272018433, 174.80499267599998)

Route Type: Domestic

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