SYD to AKL: which side of the plane should you sit on?
Sydney (Mascot) (SYD) to Auckland (AKL) is a 2,159 km (1,342 mi), roughly 3h 2m eastbound flight. Here is where the sun sits along that path, computed with the same astronomy as our live calculator.
On most daytime SYD to AKL departures the sun favors the left side — sit on the right (a window on the right) for shade.
Sun side by season and departure time
| Season | Morning (8 am) | Midday (1 pm) | Evening (6 pm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | Left | Left | Right |
| June solstice | Left | Left | Night |
| September equinox | Left | Left | Night |
| December solstice | Left | Both | Right |
What you’ll see on this flight
Views do not decide this route. Sit on the right side for shade.
This route does not pick a views side. Your shade side is the right side, so that is the safer pick if you want less glare.
Takeoff
On climbout, the first shapes are close and quick. Depending on the runway in use, Blue Mountains can sit off the left, while Wollongong and Royal National Park are off the right. Sydney can pass almost under you on the left, and Botany Bay can do the same on the right.
Landing
On descent, the views are limited and the left side is the better bet. Depending on the runway in use, Auckland, Rangitoto Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula all sit on the left as you come in.
Sides and timings are computed from this route’s geometry. What you actually see depends on weather, air-traffic routing, and the runway in use on the day.
Frequently asked
Which side of the plane avoids the sun from SYD to AKL?
Across typical daytime departures, the sun predominantly hits the left side of the aircraft, so the right side stays shadier. Seat letters start at the left window, so choose the highest window letter (F on narrowbodies, K on many widebodies).
Which side has the sunset views on SYD to AKL flights?
For sunset views, flip the advice: on evening departures the sun sits on the right side of this route, so that is the side with the show.
How long is the flight from SYD to AKL?
The great-circle distance is 2,159 km (1,342 mi), which works out to roughly 3h 2m in the air on this eastbound routing. Winds and routing move the real block time around that estimate.
Does the date or departure time change the answer?
Yes — that is why the table shows both. The sun's path shifts with the season, and a morning departure can put the glare on the opposite side compared to an evening one. For a specific flight, the calculator samples the sun along the whole route for your exact date and time.
Which side should I sit on from SYD to AKL?
Pick the right side for shade. Views do not settle the choice on this route.
What can I see after takeoff from Sydney to Auckland?
Soon after departure, you may catch Blue Mountains on the left and Wollongong, Royal National Park, and Botany Bay on the right, depending on the runway in use.