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WLG → GIS
Which side of the plane to sit from Wellington International Airport (Wellington) to Gisborne Airport (Gisborne)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more diverse landscape, featuring the rugged Tararua and Ruahine mountain ranges, the fertile Wairarapa plains, and clear views of the Napier-Hastings urban areas.
Search flights from WLG to GIS
Tararua Ranges
Observe the spine of the southern North Island with its often cloud-capped peaks and dense native forest.
Lake Wairarapa
A vast, shallow lake surrounded by wetlands, providing a distinct geographic marker shortly after takeoff.
Napier & Hastings
Aerial perspectives of the 'Twin Cities' and the grid-like patterns of the Art Deco capital, Napier.
Hawke's Bay Vineyards
The geometric beauty of the region's world-class wineries and orchards blanketing the Heretaunga Plains.
Mohaka River
The winding path of this major river as it carves through the rugged hill country towards the coast.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare from the Pacific. During winter, look for snow dusting the higher peaks of the Ruahine Range. The view of Napier Hill as you cross the bay is a highlight.
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Cape Palliser
The southernmost tip of the North Island, recognizable by its iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse.
Castlepoint
A stunning limestone reef and lagoon featuring one of New Zealand's most picturesque lighthouses.
The Wairarapa Coast
Dramatic, windswept cliffs and remote beaches where the Pacific Ocean meets the rugged eastern shore.
Mahia Peninsula
Visible in the distance as you cross Hawke Bay, this landmass is famous for its space launch complex.
Pacific Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the deep blue ocean, perfect for spotting sea state changes or the morning sunrise.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights when the sun illuminates the coastal cliffs of the Wairarapa. Keep a close eye out for the white break of the surf against the dark rocks of Cape Palliser about 10 minutes after departure.
Book Hotels in GisborneDistance: 401 km (249 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 40 min
Departure: WLG (-41.3272018433, 174.80499267599998)
Arrival: GIS (-38.66329956054688, 177.97799682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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