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Cheap flights from New Zealand to Cairns from $253

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 18/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
AKL — CNS
19 Nov — 26 Nov1
1 adult
1 adult, Economy

Cheap flight deals from New Zealand to Cairns

Keep the following information in mind while searching for New Zealand to Cairns flight deals. Data was last updated 20 October 2025.

Round-trip from

$683

One-way from

$253

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

February

Average price

$965

Good round-trip deal

$524 or less

Good one-way deal

$216 or less
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 2/12-9/12
  • 2 total stops
  • 26h 15m total
  • New Zealand to Cairns
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Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 18/3
  • Nonstop
  • 5h 35m total
  • New Zealand to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 7% potential increase in price ($142 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($32 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in October 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from New Zealand to Cairns.
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from New Zealand to Cairns.
Search Deals

Find flight deals from New Zealand to Cairns

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Cheapest flights from New Zealand to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from New Zealand to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 20 October 2025.

Tue 2/1220:55AKL - CNS
1 stop17h 00mJetstar
Tue 9/1206:00CNS - AKL
1 stop9h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/10$683
Wed 3/1208:20CHC - CNS
Nonstop5h 35mMultiple Airlines
Wed 10/1218:05CNS - CHC
1 stop28h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 19/10$709
Wed 3/1208:20CHC - CNS
Nonstop5h 35mJetstar
Wed 10/1218:30CNS - CHC
2 stops50h 35mJetstar
Deal found 19/10$719
Tue 2/1219:45WLG - CNS
1 stop18h 10mJetstar
Tue 9/1207:15CNS - WLG
1 stop21h 20mJetstar
Deal found 17/10$721
Thu 4/1220:55AKL - CNS
1 stop17h 00mJetstar
Sun 7/1207:15CNS - AKL
1 stop8h 25mJetstar
Deal found 18/10$756
Fri 14/1108:05CHC - CNS
Nonstop5h 35mMultiple Airlines
Fri 21/1106:00CNS - CHC
1 stop15h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 19/10$756
Tue 2/1211:50CHC - CNS
2 stops24h 15mJetstar
Tue 9/1207:15CNS - CHC
Nonstop4h 55mJetstar
Deal found 18/10$759
Mon 1/1208:20CHC - CNS
Nonstop5h 35mMultiple Airlines
Wed 10/1218:05CNS - CHC
1 stop28h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 19/10$761
Fri 5/1208:20CHC - CNS
Nonstop5h 35mJetstar
Fri 12/1219:30CNS - CHC
2 stops49h 35mJetstar
Deal found 18/10$763
Thu 4/1218:15CHC - CNS
2 stops41h 50mJetstar
Thu 11/1207:15CNS - CHC
Nonstop4h 55mJetstar
Deal found 20/10$765
Thu 4/1206:20CHC - CNS
1 stop13h 55mMultiple Airlines
Thu 11/1207:15CNS - CHC
Nonstop4h 55mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 20/10$772
Mon 1/1208:20CHC - CNS
Nonstop5h 35mJetstar
Wed 10/1218:30CNS - CHC
2 stops50h 35mJetstar
Deal found 19/10$773

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customise your flight search to find flights from New Zealand to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 134,765 searches. Data last updated 20 October 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from New Zealand to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

New Zealand

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Departure

Return

Price

AucklandCairns

AKL - CNS

AKLCNS

Auckland Intl

Tue 2/12

20:55-10:55

1 stop17h 00m

Cairns

Tue 9/12

06:00-18:15

1 stop9h 15m

$683

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Wed 3/12

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Wed 10/12

18:05-01:25

1 stop28h 20m

$709

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Wed 3/12

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Wed 10/12

18:30-00:05

2 stops50h 35m

$719

WellingtonCairns

WLG - CNS

WLGCNS

Wellington

Tue 2/12

19:45-10:55

1 stop18h 10m

Cairns

Tue 9/12

07:15-07:35

1 stop21h 20m

$721

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Fri 14/11

08:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Fri 21/11

06:00-00:25

1 stop15h 25m

$756

AucklandCairns

AKL - CNS

AKLCNS

Auckland Intl

Thu 4/12

20:55-10:55

1 stop17h 00m

Cairns

Sun 7/12

07:15-18:40

1 stop8h 25m

$756

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Tue 2/12

11:50-09:05

2 stops24h 15m

Cairns

Tue 9/12

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

$759

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Mon 1/12

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Wed 10/12

18:05-01:25

1 stop28h 20m

$761

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Fri 5/12

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Fri 12/12

19:30-00:05

2 stops49h 35m

$763

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Mon 1/12

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Wed 10/12

18:30-00:05

2 stops50h 35m

$773

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 19/10

Showing 1-10 of 53 results
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Best time to book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from New Zealand with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from New Zealand to Cairns

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns?

Currently, October is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns (average of $253). Flying from New Zealand to Cairns in January is currently the most expensive (average of $648). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from NZ to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from New Zealand to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 20 October 2025.

It’s typically best to fly out from New Zealand to Cairns in the evening. Doing so could potentially save you 22% on the flight price compared to flying in the morning, which is usually more expensive.

What is the cheapest day to fly from New Zealand to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from New Zealand to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 12 October 2025.

Travellers seeking maximum savings on their New Zealand to Cairns flight should consider departing on Tuesday mornings when fares are most often at their lowest. Tuesday evenings flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 20 October 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with Emirates, Air New Zealand, andVirgin Australia from New Zealand to Cairns have to say. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,380 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,380 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,380 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.
Air New Zealand
8.0
Very Good
516 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,380 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
421 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,380 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
922 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,380 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.
Jetstar
6.5
Okay
476 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,380 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from New Zealand to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from New Zealand?

    Located just 4.4 km from the city centre, Cairns (CNS) is the airport most travelers will use when flying to Cairns from New Zealand.

  • How popular is this New Zealand to Cairns flight route?

    This flight path from New Zealand to Cairns was viewed by 299 users in the past month. Keep an eye out for changes in search interest prior to high and low season.

  • How long is the flight from New Zealand to Cairns?

    There are many flights that can get you from New Zealand to Cairns in 11h. Fly via Jetstar or Virgin Australia to get the fastest option. There are 3788 km between New Zealand and Cairns. Both multi-stop and direct flights can be found to your destination and back.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from New Zealand to Cairns one-way?

    For one-way options, check prices for Jetstar. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $253. Users have also found prices from $396 and $402 on Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia, respectively.

  • What are the most popular routes from New Zealand to Cairns?

    The most popular route from New Zealand to Cairns is Auckland Intl - Cairns. You may also consider Christchurch - Cairns or Wellington - Cairns.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from New Zealand to Cairns?

    No one likes to see their flight delayed. When booking a flight from New Zealand to Cairns consider choosing Singapore Airlines(82%), Virgin Australia(74%) or Air New Zealand(74%), as they are the most reliable in getting you off to your destination on time.

  • What are the cheapest flights from New Zealand to Cairns?

    On average you can expect to pay $809 for a flight from New Zealand to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $452 while the most popular route, (Auckland Intl - Cairns) is currently priced at $642.

  • Can I find deals for flights from New Zealand to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on New Zealand to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from New Zealand to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from New Zealand to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from New Zealand to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from New Zealand to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns?

    Currently, October is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns (average of $253). Flying from New Zealand to Cairns in January is currently the most expensive (average of $648). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
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Alternative routes for New Zealand to Cairns

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Top 5 airlines flying from New Zealand to Cairns

Discover the top 5 airlines that operate flights from New Zealand to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 134,765 searches. Data last updated 20 October 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$463Average$956FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
JetstarCheapest$476Average$748FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$723Average$1,123FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights
Air New ZealandCheapest$809Average$1,085FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time78%
Search Air New Zealand flights
EmiratesCheapest$1,098Average$1,243FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time75%
Search Emirates flights

Fly with Cheapflights

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How does Cheapflights help users find flights from New Zealand to Cairns?

Cheapflights helps you search for flights from New Zealand to Cairns via 900+ travel sites so you don’t have to. After performing a flight search, users can also filter their flight selection by filtering for price, number of stops, airlines, and so on.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from New Zealand to Cairns?

Millions of users choose and trust Cheapflights to book the best flight deals from New Zealand to Cairns for free. We help you search and compare prices from hundreds of airlines for the right flight just for you.

Can Cheapflights find flights from New Zealand to Cairns with no change fees?

Need flexible booking options for your flight to Cairns from New Zealand? Don’t worry, Cheapflights have you covered. Use our search filter to only show flights with no change fees.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from New Zealand to Cairns become cheaper?

Yes! Start tracking prices for New Zealand to Cairns flights today and get alerted whenever prices for these flights change. To access this feature, click the bell icon next to the flight deals above, which will prompt you for a valid email address to receive your alerts.

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