Home› Routes› Transpacific Flights› MEL → AKL

MEL to AKL Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
MEL
→
AKL
Melbourne · Auckland · 2h 50m
6
Turb Score
2h 50m
Duration
1,480 nm
Distance
36,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — MEL to AKL
⚠️ Light turbulence today
Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free
Download free on the App Store
★★★★★ 4.8 · Free · No sign-up
Scan to download Turbulence Forecast
Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · Free on the App Store · No sign-up

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MEL–AKL

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 50m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the MEL–AKL route

The Melbourne to Auckland route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 1,703 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, Qantas, Jetstar on Boeing 787 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 36,000 feet over a distance of 1,703 miles (1,480 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on MEL–AKL

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

Download on the App Store — Free

Best time to fly MEL–AKL

Turbulence by month

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Rough

Best seat on MEL–AKL

Boeing 787-9

Front
Rows 1–20
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 21-32
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 33+
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

MEL to AKL turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

AKL → MEL
Auckland → Melbourne
Light
SYD → AKL
Sydney → Auckland
Light
SYD → MEL
Sydney → Melbourne
light-moderate
LAX → AKL
Los Angeles → Auckland
Light
See all transpacific flights →
All MEL routes→ All AKL routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Melbourne to Auckland flight turbulent?
The MEL–AKL route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 6/100.
When is turbulence worst on MEL to AKL?
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 MEL to AKL?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 787-9 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 21-32. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from MEL to AKL?
The MEL to AKL flight takes approximately 2h 50m, covering 1,703 miles (1,480 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly MEL to AKL?
The main airlines operating this route are Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar, flying Boeing 787 · Airbus A320 aircraft.

Data Sources

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