When is the Auckland to Wellington route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the AKL to WLG route?

The AKL–WLG route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · ATR 72. Airlines include Air New Zealand, Jetstar.

Is turbulence on AKL to WLG dangerous?

No — turbulence on the AKL–WLG route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my AKL to WLG flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the AKL–WLG route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

AKL to WLG Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Auckland to Wellington flight turbulent?

The AKL–WLG route typically experiences moderate-severe turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on AKL to WLG?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A320 · ATR 72, that's rows 14-20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Is the Auckland to Wellington flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

AKL

→

WLG

Auckland · Wellington · 1h

8.2

Turb Score

Duration

307 nm

Distance

26,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

moderate-severe

Typical

⚠️ moderate-severe turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for AKL–WLG

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the AKL–WLG route

The Auckland to Wellington route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 353 miles. The Pacific jet stream creates moderate turbulence, typically around 3–7 hours into the flight. The sheer length of the route means passengers experience varying conditions: calm stretches punctuated by bumpy patches.

The route is served by Air New Zealand, Jetstar on Airbus A320 · ATR 72 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 26,000 feet over a distance of 353 miles (307 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion.

Auckland to Wellington Flight Time

How long is the flight from AKL to WLG?

Flight Time

353 mi

Distance

26,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Auckland (AKL) to Wellington (WLG) flight takes approximately 1h, covering 353 miles (307 nautical miles) at 26,000 feet. The route is operated by Air New Zealand, Jetstar. Return flights (WLG to AKL) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on AKL–WLG

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm

LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady

ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause

HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly AKL–WLG

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on AKL–WLG

Airbus A320

Front

Rows 1–13

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 14-20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

Rougher

Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

AKL → LAX

Auckland → Los Angeles

Light

AKL → SFO

Auckland → San Francisco

Queenstown → Wellington

Light

CHC → WLG

Christchurch → Wellington

Light

See all transpacific flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

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Best Seat Guide

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Clear-Air Turbulence

The invisible rough air that's increasing

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Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Flew Auckland–Wellington in May, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · May

A few bumpy patches over the North Pacific, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · October

There was some noticeable movement mid-Pacific that made me grip the armrest. My seatmate (clearly a regular) didn't even look up from their book. Perspective.

First-time flyer · January

All AKL routes→ All WLG routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Auckland to Wellington flight turbulent?

The AKL–WLG route typically experiences moderate-severe turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 8.2/100.

When is turbulence worst on AKL to WLG?

Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on AKL to WLG?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A320 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14-20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from AKL to WLG?

The AKL to WLG flight takes approximately 1h, covering 353 miles (307 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly AKL to WLG?

The main airlines operating this route are Air New Zealand, Jetstar, flying Airbus A320 · ATR 72 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data