Loading map...
WAG → AKL
Which side of the plane to sit from Wanganui Airport (Wanganui) to Auckland International Airport (Auckland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Central Plateau volcanoes, including Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe, which are the highlights of the North Island's interior.
Search flights from WAG to AKL
Whanganui River
Aerial view of New Zealand's longest navigable river winding through deep valleys.
Mt Ruapehu
The massive, often snow-capped active volcano and the highest point in the North Island.
Mt Ngauruhoe
The iconic conical volcano famous as 'Mount Doom' in film, standing out in the Tongariro National Park.
Waikato Farmland
The rich, verdant green agricultural heartland of New Zealand stretching toward the horizon.
Hamilton City
The urban sprawl of the Waikato hub and the winding path of the Waikato River below.
The right side is the undisputed winner for mountain lovers. Ensure you look out early in the flight for the Central Plateau volcanoes. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the peaks. Check the weather forecast; clear skies are essential as these mountains are often shrouded in cloud even when the coast is clear.
Book Hotels in Auckland
South Taranaki Bight
Expansive views of the rugged coastline and the Tasman Sea shortly after takeoff.
Mt Taranaki
The isolated, near-perfect volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki is visible in the distance to the northwest.
Kawhia & Aotea Harbours
Intricate coastal inlets and sandbars known for their wild beauty and remote character.
Manukau Heads
The dramatic entrance to the Manukau Harbour with its shifting sandbars and crashing surf.
Waitakere Ranges
Distant views of the lush, forested hills that border Auckland's western coast.
Sit on the left if you prefer coastal scenery and want to spot the distant symmetrical silhouette of Mt Taranaki. Late afternoon flights provide dramatic lighting over the Tasman Sea, but glare can be an issue. For the best photos of the harbours, a mid-morning flight avoids the harshest shadows.
Get eSIMs for New Zealand
Get eSIMs for New ZealandDistance: 329 km (204 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 33 min
Departure: WAG (-39.96220016479492, 175.02499389648438)
Arrival: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.