Loading map...
ZQN → AKL
Which side of the plane to sit from Queenstown International Airport (Queenstown International) to Auckland International Airport (Auckland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is legendary for offering a direct window into the heart of the Southern Alps immediately upon departure, followed by a spectacular sighting of the perfectly symmetrical Mount Taranaki during the cruise phase.
Search flights from ZQN to AKL
Southern Alps & Mount Aspiring
Immediate, breathtaking views of the snow-capped spine of the South Island and the 'Matterhorn of the South.'
Tasman Sea Coastline
A dramatic perspective of the rugged West Coast where the mountains meet the deep blue of the Tasman Sea.
Mount Taranaki
The iconic, isolated volcanic cone of Egmont National Park often protrudes clearly above the cloud layer.
Waitakere Ranges
On the approach to Auckland, see the lush rainforests and wild black-sand surf beaches of the west coast.
For the most dramatic mountain shadows, book a morning flight when the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the Alps. Ensure you have your camera ready immediately after takeoff from Queenstown, as the climb provides the best angles of Lake Wakatipu's 'S' shape. In winter, the snow coverage on the Alps is significantly more extensive and photogenic.
Get eSIMs for New Zealand
Get eSIMs for New ZealandAoraki / Mount Cook
While further away than the peaks on the left, New Zealand's highest mountain is visible across the divide.
Glacial Lakes
Spot the distinct milky-blue hues of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo shimmering in the Mackenzie Basin.
Marlborough Sounds
The intricate network of drowned river valleys at the top of the South Island creates a stunning emerald mosaic.
Central Plateau Volcanoes
Aerial views of the active volcanic trio: Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro.
Auckland City Skyline
Depending on the wind direction, you may get a sweeping view of the Sky Tower and the Waitemata Harbour on descent.
The Right Side is superior for seeing the turquoise glacial lakes of the interior South Island. Keep an eye out for the Cook Strait crossing; the transition from the South to the North Island is geographically fascinating. If the flight approaches Auckland from the south over the city, the right side usually provides the best view of the urban sprawl and Rangitoto Island.
Book Hotels in AucklandDistance: 1,025 km (637 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: ZQN (-45.0210990906, 168.738998413)
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.