Air New Zealand A320 circuit approach into Queenstown Airport with stunning views - Must see!

I’ve flown into ZQN Queenstown airport dozens of times, but never in this approach pattern! It was magical to loop in between the valleys, with stunning weather to top it all off.

[@Squirel]

This is the best non-cockpit flight video I have seen. Well done.

[@naturallyherb]

Really awesome! On the charts I can see that this is part of the missed approach procedure from rwy 23. If a go around is initiated, then the aircraft will turn south into Lake Wakatipu, left again to the north passing by the Remarkables, then turning right near Arrowtown, and then a non-precision approach back to 23.

[@smudge6831]

I take that flight at least twice a year. Never get tired of the approach. Loving being a kiwi!

[@japeking1]

You wait outside the terminal for the bus, or hire car pick up. Just sitting in the Sun, looking at the Remarkables and thinking " I'll just stay here".

[@pluffer241]

I still can't believe how those heavy metal tubes get into the air...

[@drdanmorris]

Once upon a time (15 Years ago) this would have been the normal approach into NZQN: a visual circuit in the Queenstown basin over Lake Hayes to lose altitude. These days the approaches are all straight-in RNP procedures (using GPS and inertial reference systems), either into runway 23 through the mountains, or to runway 05 over lake Wakatipu. I am guessing that your flight would have been on an RNP approach to RWY 05 and then was given a runway change to 23. The easiest option in this case - weather permitting - would be to do a missed approach and then a visual circuit to runway 23, as we see here. Quite a rarity these days. Often the basin is covered in cloud so a more long-winded re-routing onto the RNP approach to 23 would have been required, which would have added a good 10 minutes extra to the flight.

[@MeaHeaR]

Thatt Boing 747s

[@santhosm4339]

Hope we will be there soon tnx Queens town❤

[@justaviation8876]

epic video, i might go there once the pandemic is over

[@Kiwi_NZ610]

Hello air new zealand

[@NathanElcoate]

Fantastic video, captured the sound perfectly, just like being there! And that black Bombardier to top it off!

[@erickemp8286]

You never forget that approach into Queenstown, and what a beautiful place when you get on the ground. Lake Wakatipu is spectacular.

[@nickatkinson5692]

one of the best approaches to an airport anywhere.

[@fadhelgartam6840]

I just got back from my new zealand vacation. Our first destination was queenstown, and I won't forget how beautiful the scenery on the approach!

[@shepardbook]

Bucket List!

[@javacup912]

On December, that same year, I spent 4 days in Queenstown, but the approach for the same airport, we hugged the mountains. What an awesome place. Covid has prevented me to return for even a longer stay. Thanks for the video.

[@OrnumCR]

Magnificent...Can’t wait to get back again. Visited Queenstown a few times...and although I live in Australia these days I was born just up the road a bit in Cromwell. Love NZ and Queenstown...

[@Vagabondo-fs6qu]

Gorgeous approach (also a clear definition when used in aviation) and was exactly what I expected from the video title. Thank You.

[@moriver3857]

I flew from AKL to ZQN in 2018 but was seated on the opposite side but flew somewhat straight in hugging those huge mountains. What a beautiful place and great town, calm place. Planned to go back in 2019, but it wasn't to be.

[@zacariasblanco9738]

I want to move and live the rest of