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WLG → TUO
Which side of the plane to sit from Wellington International Airport (Wellington) to Taupo Airport (Taupo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the North Island's most dramatic volcanic scenery, including the UNESCO World Heritage peaks of Tongariro National Park and the deep blue waters of Lake Taupo.
Search flights from WLG to TUO
Wellington City
Aerial views of the capital city, the Beehive, and the steep suburban hills immediately after takeoff.
Kapiti Island
A clear view of the iconic nature reserve and the coastline as the plane heads north along the coast.
Mount Ruapehu
Breathtaking proximity to the North Island's highest peak, its glaciers, and the Turoa and Whakapapa ski fields.
Mount Ngauruhoe
The perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone, famous as 'Mount Doom' in film, visible just past Ruapehu.
Lake Taupo Western Bays
The rugged, inaccessible cliffs and deep blue waters of the lake's western edge as you begin your descent.
Book an 'A' seat for unobstructed views of the volcanoes. Morning flights are superior as the sun illuminates the western faces of the mountains. In winter, the snow cover on the Central Plateau creates a stunning alpine contrast. The volcanoes appear approximately 25 minutes into the flight.
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Tararua Ranges
Rugged, bush-clad mountain ranges that form the spine of the lower North Island.
The Desert Road
The desolate, high-altitude plateau and the iconic State Highway 1 winding through the tussock land.
Kaimanawa Forest
Vast stretches of ancient beech forest and the high country plateaus known for wild horses.
Taupo Township
A beautiful view of the town, the marina, and the source of the Waikato River during the final approach.
The right side is best for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It provides excellent views of the interior wilderness and the vast Kaimanawa ranges. If the aircraft approaches Taupo from the north, seats on this side get a great view of Huka Falls and the Waikato River.
Book Hotels in TaupoDistance: 308 km (191 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 31 min
Departure: WLG (-41.3272018433, 174.80499267599998)
Arrival: TUO (-38.73970031738281, 176.08399963378906)
Route Type: Domestic
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