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WLG → NPL
Which side of the plane to sit from Wellington International Airport (Wellington) to New Plymouth Airport (New Plymouth)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic and iconic views of the New Zealand landscape, specifically the majestic Mount Taranaki and the Wellington harbor departure.
Search flights from WLG to NPL
Wellington Harbour
Stunning views of the capital's CBD, Oriental Bay, and the surrounding hills upon takeoff.
Tararua Ranges
Rugged, forested mountain peaks that dominate the inland horizon for the first half of the flight.
Mount Taranaki
A breathtaking close-up of the nearly perfect volcanic cone as you fly north.
Taranaki Ring Plain
The intricate, emerald-green mosaic of dairy farms forming a circle around the mountain.
Whanganui River Mouth
The point where one of NZ's longest rivers meets the sea, often showing distinct sediment plumes.
This is the 'money side' for this route. To get the best photo of Mount Taranaki, choose a seat behind the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Morning flights are preferred on the right side as the sun illuminates the eastern face of the mountain. In winter, the peak is covered in thick snow, making it exceptionally photogenic. Watch for the mountain about 25 minutes after departing Wellington.
Book Hotels in New PlymouthTasman Sea
Vast, uninterrupted views of the deep blue ocean horizon to the west.
Kapiti Island
A clear aerial perspective of the famous predator-free nature reserve island.
Kapiti Coastline
Long, sweeping views of the sandy beaches stretching from Paekakariki to Otaki.
Sugar Loaf Islands
Distinctive volcanic rock formations visible as the plane approaches New Plymouth.
The left side is superior for sunset flights, providing a direct view of the sun dipping into the Tasman Sea. During the descent into New Plymouth, this side offers a better angle of the coastline and the Ngamotu Beach area. It is generally the quieter side for lighting, avoiding direct glare during afternoon flights.
Get eSIMs for New Zealand
Get eSIMs for New ZealandDistance: 263 km (163 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 26 min
Departure: WLG (-41.3272018433, 174.80499267599998)
Arrival: NPL (-39.00859832763672, 174.1790008544922)
Route Type: Domestic
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